Boston Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein is on the verge of taking a similar position with the Chicago Cubs, the Boston Herald reported Tuesday.
Epstein, who became the youngest GM in Major League Baseball history with the Red Sox in 2002, will be announced as the new Cubs executive within the next 24 to 48 hours, the newspaper said, citing "two baseball sources."
The newspaper said several issues needed to be ironed out -- the Red Sox owners don't want to see Epstein go and the club is seeking a player, money or a combination of the two from Chicago as compensation.
The Cubs' general manager job has been vacant since the club parted ways with Jim Hendry after the team stumbled to a 77-91 record and a fifth-place finish in the National League Central.
Epstein would have "greater powers" than with the Red Sox under a Cubs hire, the newspaper said.
Earlier reports indicated Chicago had sought permission from the Red Sox to speak to the Brookline, Mass., native.