If FarmVille for iPhone caught the attention of developers across the globe, what will the suggestion that Zynga has also picked up $147 million in investment to drive its mobile assault do to them?

Though far from confirmed, that's what BusinessWeek is reporting, with the site stating Japanese telecommunications giant SoftBank has stumped up the cash to aid the developer expand its presence in the mobile market.

According to 'two people familiar with the agreement', the investment forms part of a wider deal to promote games through Softbank's service in Japan and other countries – although it's worth noting that Zynga itself has so far declined to comment.

If proven true, it would mark yet another move by Zynga – which, with FarmVille and Mafia Wars, is a major player in the social gaming scene – into the mobile space.
Mafia Wars hit the App Store more than a year ago, with FarmVille's debut planned at the end of the month.
BusinessWeek