Donald Trump
Donald TrumpReuters

Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump was unfazed on Sunday by the possibility that former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg might run for president.

In fact, Trump said he would "love" to go up against the fellow billionaire, AFP reported.

The New York Times, citing anonymous sources, reported on Saturday that the 73-year-old Bloomberg is mulling an independent bid for the presidency and is prepared to spend $1 billion of his personal fortune on such a move.

Bloomberg has reportedly set a deadline for a final decision for early March.

Trump, speaking by phone to CBS News a week before the Iowa caucuses, responded to Bloomberg’s possible campaign and said, "I would love it. I know Michael very well, I'd love to compete against Michael."

Trump added that Bloomberg "might very well get in the race."

"He's very opposite on me with guns and he's opposite on pro-life and he's opposite on a lot of things," he added.

"And Michael's been a friend of mine over the years -- perhaps we're not friends anymore. You know, he's wanted to do this for a long time and he never pulled the trigger."

Bloomberg has long been a staunch supporter of Israel, although no Independent has ever become president of the United States. He formerly was a Democrat before switching to being a Republican and then going Independent, and he previously raised speculation in 2008 and 2012 over potential campaigns.

He is reportedly is considering the presidential run in light of the way Trump has been leading the Republican primaries, and the massive problems facing Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton.