Around two weeks ago, we heard a rumor that Microsoft was interested in buying Nokia's mobile division and that, if a deal were made, it could close before the end of this year. Today the rumor has emerged once again, with Eldar Murtazin suggesting that Microsoft has offered to pay $19 billion to Nokia for its phones division. Murtazin has been the source of some spot-on Nokia rumors in the past, although one Nokia exec had this to say when the Microsoft/Nokia deal rumors first emerged last month: "We typically don’t comment on rumors. But we have to say that Eldar’s rumors are getting obviously less accurate with every passing moment."

So will a deal get done? It's tough to say, but it'd certainly be an interesting move. Microsoft has traditionally been known as a software company, but perhaps the firm feels that it could give Windows Phone 7 a shot in the arm if it builds both the software and hardware, similar to Apple's approach to the iPhone. However, it's worth mentioning that Murtazin recently tweeted that Nokia wants more money for its mobile division than Microsoft is ready to shell out, so this isn't done deal just yet. How many of you think that Microsoft and Nokia will reach an agreement? Is it a good idea for Microsoft to buy Nokia's phones division?

Via BGR, @eldarmurtazin