Asus is reportedly eyeing up Microsoft's Windows Phone platform.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Asus is mulling the idea of making a Windows Phone 8 version of its Padfone — which docks a smartphone into the back of a tablet — in an effort to expand its sinking mobile business.

Benson Lin, corporate vice president of mobile communication products at Asus, recently confirmed the interest the Journal.

"There is no target timeline," Lin said, "but we are interested in making Windows phones."

If the reports are true, Asus could join the current crop of Windows Phone 8 handset makers, like Nokia, HTC, Samsung, and Huawei. LG is also rumoured to be planning a Windows Phone 8 mobile device, according to the Korea Times.

Microsoft declined to comment, and Asus did not immediately responded to a request for comment.

With competition from giants like Samsung and Apple, Asus is not really a major mobile player. According to IHS iSuppli's December 2012 data, the company didn't crack the list of top five smartphone handset makers, which included Samsung, Apple, Nokia, HTC, and even troubled BlackBerry maker Research In Motion.

The mobile version of the Redmond-based firm's new Windows 8 operating system was launched in November 2012, with company CEO Steve Ballmer describing it as "the smartphone that has been reinvented around you."

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