MOSCOW (Dow Jones)--Russian President Vladimir Putin could take over from his likely successor Dmitry Medvedev as chairman of OAO Gazprom (GAZP.RS) next year, the Vedomosti business daily reported Friday, citing several unnamed sources.
Medvedev has led the gas monopoly's board since 2001, but is widely expected to become Russia's third president next year after Putin gave him his public support.
Putin has agreed to become prime minister should Medvedev's presidential bid be successful.
One Vedomosti source said there may be an interim candidate before Putin is installed.