It’s no done deal but Microsoft is said to be in advanced talks to buy TikTok’s US business, after President Donald Trump threatened to ban the popular Chinese-owned video app in the US.

The deal, if sealed, could see Microsoft become a major player in the social arena.

Trump has threatened to ban Bytedance-owned TikTok from the US, citing security concerns over the app’s current parent company.

However, none of the companies have confirmed talks about a deal.

In fact, in a statement issued on Friday, TikTok said they would “not comment on rumours or speculation” and added: “we are confident in the long-term success of TikTok”.

Despite speculation, some industry analysts say a move by Microsoft to buy TikTok would steer away from the company’s focus on workplace productivity products.

It would, however, give the tech giant a big competitive advantage in the ad space.