Outgoing Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters manager Trey Hillman is "in serious negotiations" to be the next manger of the Kansas City Royals, ESPN reported on its Web site Thursday.
The report did not give any details of the talks between Hillman and the Royals, who have been looking for a possible replacement for Buddy Bell. Hillman announced last month he would leave Nippon Ham at the end of its campaign this year for family reasons.
Hillman, 44, was a longtime manager in the New York Yankees' minor league organization before signing with Nippon Ham after the 2002 season.
Last year, he led the Fighters to their first Japan Series championship in 44 years.
On Thursday, Hillman's club defeated the Chiba Lotte Marines in Game 5 of the Pacific League Climax Series' second stage, giving it a second straight trip to the Japan Series. Young ace Yu Darvish earned the win, his second of the postseason, and Fernando Seguignol slugged a home run to lead the offense.
Hillman was interviewed by the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics and San Diego Padres after the 2006 season but did not receive a formal offer from any of the major league clubs.