As it was quite clear and expected now that Microsoft and Nokia announced the deal in which Microsoft will buy Nokia's Devices and Services business for around US $7.1 billion and that Stephen Elop will be stepping down from the position of CEO at Nokia, Steve Ballmer, current CEO of Microsoft confirmed that same Stephen Elop is now a candidate for future Microsoft CEO.

In an interview with The Seattle Times, Microsoft's current and soon to be ex. CEO, Steve Ballmer, confirmed that Stephen Elop will be running for the position of Microsoft CEO. Stephen Elop was actually the first non-Finn to be named CEO of Nokia, back in 2010 and was previously actually member of Microsoft's head of the Business Division responsible for Microsoft Office back when Office 2010 was released.

The same deal struck between Microsoft and Nokia also means that Microsoft will pick up 32,000 Nokia employees, including Stephen Elop that will swtich to an executive vice president position at Microsoft, so it is not a big surprise that he will now be an internal candidate for the Microsoft CEO position.

Of course, Microsoft's board with Bill Gates will have a final decision and will continoue to look all external and internal candidates for the job.