(Reuters) - "Venezuela may be interested in buying Exxon Mobil assets in Argentina, a senior official at Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, said on Thursday.

Last month, the Argentine Clarin newspaper reported Exxon wanted to sell its assets in the country, where it is a key player in the fuel market, for an estimated $200 million.

When asked at a natural gas conference if Venezuela was considering buying the assets, Luis Vierma, a PDVSA vice president, told reporters, 'Yes. I have heard there is some interest.'

South American media have said Exxon's possible sale of its Argentine business is part of a wider plan to sell its assets in the region (.)".