Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell appears closer to becoming the next Red Sox manager, assuming the sides can agree on compensation, according to a Boston Herald report. Part of the decision is said to come down to how much the Red Sox are willing to trade for the rights to allow Farrell to join their organization. An executive from a National League team told the Herald this week that Blue Jays president Paul Beeston wants at least one “decent player” in return, meaning someone who can be part of the 25-man roster.

This promises not to resemble the situation last year with former general manager Theo Epstein, when neither team was motivated to resolve the compensation issue, or the White Sox, who were more than willing to let Ozzie Guillen bolt for the Marlins.

A situation would have to be resolved quickly.

The Red Sox have interviewed four managerial candidates this past week: Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach, Yankees bench coach Tony Pena, Padres special assistant Brad Ausmus and Orioles third base coach DeMarlo Hale.

The Herald reported that Farrell is their top choice. He has spent four years in Boston as pitching coach under Terry Francona, and shares good relationships with both GM Ben Cherington and assistant GM Mike Hazen.