Giants, Brandon Lyon in 'advanced negotiations,' according to report

The Giants are in "deep discussions" with reliever Brandon Lyon. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

The San Francisco Giants are in "advanced negotiations" with Brandon Lyon, who could possibly replace longtime closer Brian Wilson in the bullpen.

Comcast SportsNet Bay Area's Andrew Baggarly reported that the Giants have "aggressively pursued" Lyon, who went 4-2 with a 3.10 ERA in 67 games with the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros last season. The Giants put off discussions for a week while handling arbitration cases, but the two sides are now back to talking extensively.

Giants vice president Bobby Evans told Baggarly that signing Lyon wouldn't necessarily rule out bringing back Wilson, but he conceded that "there are only so many spots that can be filled."

Sergio Romo was expected to get a chance to become the Giants closer this season. But Lyon has served as a closer as recently as 2010, when he saved 20 games for the Astros.