FORT WORTH, Texas — The group that has been in exclusive negotiations to buy the Texas Rangers is close to a deal.

In a joint statement released at 1 a.m. Friday, which was when their exclusive negotiating period expired, Pittsburgh sports attorney Chuck Greenberg and Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan said "extraordinary progress" has been made over the last couple of weeks. They say they are "on the verge of an agreement that would provide Tom Hicks the value he seeks."