Wall Road Journal reported on Friday, citing individuals acquainted with the matter.
The deal might be introduced on Monday, though the talks may nonetheless crumble, the report stated.
McAfee and Creation didn’t instantly reply to Reuters requests for remark.
The potential deal comes at a time when the pandemic-driven shift to distant working and an increase in cyber assaults has spurred demand for antivirus and digital safety software program.
Searching for to create a pacesetter in client safety software program, US-based NortonLifeLock Inc in August agreed to purchase London-listed rival Avast Plc for as much as $8.6 billion.
Shares of McAfee, which made its market debut final yr, closed 20% larger on Friday at $25.46.
The corporate stated in March it could promote its enterprise enterprise to a consortium led by Symphony Expertise Group for $4 billion in money.