Dentons said this week it has approached Patton Boggs for a possible merger at a time when the shrinking Washington firm and Squire Sanders say their merger talks continue.

“We can confirm that Dentons has made a serious overture to Patton Boggs leadership about a combination to form a new firm together,” Dentons said in a written statement. ”We hold Patton Boggs and its lawyers and professionals in high regard, and our interest in conversations between our firms and partners remains high.”