Intel Corp. and TPG Advisors LLC are in early talks with private equity firm Thoma Bravo LLC over the sale of security software company McAfee LLC, CNBC reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The target may fetch a significant premium over the company's 2016 valuation of $4.2 billion, according to the sources, although they added that talks may still fall apart and a deal announcement is not imminent.

Intel bought McAfee in 2010 for $7.6 billion, then sold 51% of the unit to buyout firm TPG in 2016. Thoma Bravo later made a minority investment in McAfee, according to CNBC.

McAfee, founded in 1987 by John McAfee, develops and delivers security solutions and services that protect systems, networks, and mobile devices for business and personal use.

Intel and TPG declined to comment, while Thoma bravo did not immediately respond, CNBC said.