Report: Phillies, Harper in deep and serious negotiations

The Philadelphia Phillies and outfielder Bryce Harper are reportedly engaged in deep and serious contract negotiations, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports.

Phillies owner John Middleton, who flew to Las Vegas on Friday to meet with Harper, is optimistic a 10-year contract will be finalized by Monday afternoon, Nightengale adds.

Harper, 26, has been seeking a record-breaking contract and has reportedly turned down multiple offers worth more than $300 million in total salary this offseason.

The Phillies have emerged as the clear favorite to land him, though the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Chicago White Sox have remained on the periphery. The Washington Nationals, where Harper has played throughout his seven-year career, have apparently moved on.