Is Nationwide about to be on Huntington's side?(Nationwide allegedly interested in acquiring Huntington Bancshares)

Add Nationwide to the laundry list of companies rumored to be interested in Huntington Bancshares.

Speculation over the Columbus bank's future and whether it might be an acquisition target has become something of a sport for months, but Nationwide's name as a suitor has recently made the rounds at the insurance giant's headquarters.

Though there's no more reason to put faith in the most recent speculation, the connection of Nationwide to its fellow High Street denizen has made the rumor mill more intriguing.

To wit: Nationwide has been working to turn itself into a financial services powerhouse, instead of just an insurance powerhouse.

And …