AOL is moving away from its old dial-up service

Richard Parsons also said there were no plans for a tie-up with Microsoft's search-engine technology.

News agency and newspaper reports said Google had been ready to share AOL with Time Warner and US cable firm Comcast.

Such a deal would have put Google's search tools with Time Warner's TV and film content in a portal.

Any such move would also have addressed criticism from investors of Time Warner's strategy.

Rivals

Time Warner has recently come under fire from billionaire corporate raider Carl Icahn, who says its management is failing to serve shareholders.

Google's search and advertising clout could help AOL's transition

Part of the group's response has been to stress AOL's move away from its traditional - and loss-making - dial-up internet service, and towards a free-to-use content business paid for by advertising.

The plan could be boosted by Google's success in attracting online adverts, as well as the huge reach of its search and other tools, combined with delivery to cable customers of both Comcast and Time Warner - the two biggest US cable firms.

Google and Comcast are not the only potential suitors, with software giant Microsoft also reported to be discussing potential tie-ups between AOL and its own content service, MSN.