Several reports have surfaced suggesting that online giant Google is planning to launch an online music download service which will take aim at Apple’s iTunes store.

According to the Wall Street Journal the company intends to launch the service in 2011 and will be primarily designed for users of its open source Android mobile operating system.

“Google's proposals are still vague ... and it's unclear whether it has struck any deals with record labels so far. But Google has been stepping up conversations about offering new music services tied to phones running its Android operating system along with the broader Web, said people who have been briefed on the talks. The launch of Google's download music store is still months away.” The Wall Street Journal stated.

At present Google is arguably Apple’s greatest threat within the mobile market. The company’s Android platform has gathered considerable steam since it was initially released in late 2008.

The operating system is currently featured on a number of devices designed by popular handset manufacturers such as HTC, Samsung and Motorola.

In addition to this Android has also appeared on a number of pre-release tablet PC models which are poised to take on Apple’s iPad in the coming months.