Report: Vikes, Pats close to Moss trade

FOXBOROUGH, Mass., Oct. 5 (UPI) -- New England and Minnesota are close to pulling off a trade that would send wide receiver Randy Moss back to the Vikings, FoxSports.com reported Tuesday.

Citing sources it did not name, the broadcaster said the trade talks are "serious" and the two teams are "very close" to a deal that would send the talented but mercurial receiver from the Patriots back to the team that drafted him in 1998.

The sources, however, said the proposed trade is contingent upon Moss working out a contract deal with the Vikings -- a task that all sides were said to be working on.

Moss, 33, a four-time All-Pro, starred for the Vikings until 2005 when he was traded to Oakland. The Raiders then shipped Moss to New England on the 2007 NFL draft day in exchange for a fourth-round pick.

The Vikings have been seeking a top-flight receiver for quarterback Brett Favre since they were unable to obtain San Diego Chargers wideout Vincent Jackson.