The BBC reports that Google is to provide search and advertising on MySpace.com and other websites owned by News Corporation’s Fox International Media. The deal will see Google pay Fox at least $900m (£472m), if specified web traffic targets are met.

Google said online community MySpace was an important site to be involved with given its rapid popularity growth.

From October, MySpace users will be able to use Google to search for groups and friends through the site. Google will also provide text-based adverts triggered by keywords found on the websites.

The deal ends speculation about which search engine would serve MySpace. Yahoo and MSN were also reported to have been in the running.

Earlier, Google struck a deal with MTV to distribute video footage from the music station to websites and blogs.