Los Angeles close to be reutrning to NFL

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- The NFL has reached an agreement in principle to return a franchise to the city of Los Angeles, the nation's largest television market.

The Los Angeles Times reported that NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue had meetings Thursday with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Anaheim, Calif., Mayor Curt Pringle.

"We are one step closer, two or three steps closer, you can characterize it however you want," Tagliabue told the paper. "Whether it's 2009, 2010 or 2000-whatever, our goal ... is to have definitive agreements on all the key subject matters done well in advance of our league meetings."

Tagliabue noted that it is uncertain whether Los Angeles would get an expansion team or a relocated existing franchise.

One team that could be moving is the New Orleans Saints, whose home city was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The Saints have set up temporary quarters in San Antonio, which has been rumored as being a permanent home for the team. Los Angeles has also reportedly been considered to be a final destination for the Saints.