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NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Shares of Monster Worldwide soared almost 22% on Friday after a news report said LinkedIn has expressed interest in buying the online job-search company.

But don't get too excited: A source close to LinkedIn said the company has "zero interest" in buying Monster, and doesn't plan to pursue a purchase in the future.









Monster, which has been a rumored takeover target for years, said in March that it was considering selling all or part of the company. According to a short report from Reuters, which cited anonymous sources, potential buyers include LinkedIn (LNKD) and private equity firm Silver Lake Partners.

Monster's (MWW) stock shot higher immediately after the news, and trading was halted temporarily. Shares ended the day 19% higher.

Reuters reported that Monster "plans to send out financial information to the interested parties by the end of next week."

Representatives from Monster, LinkedIn and Silver Lake declined to comment on the report.

Monster, which was founded in 1994, operates several websites. Monster.com is its main job search site, while other properties include the college-focused FastWeb.com and Admissions.com.