Phoenix, AZ (My Sportsbook) - After weeks of failed attempts at a new contract, it seems the Los Angeles Dodgers and All-Star outfielder Manny Ramirez have finally closed the gap and are near terms on a deal.

According to multiple reports, significant progress was made in contract talks Tuesday, so much that Ramirez took a plane to LA and will likely meet with Dodgers owner Frank McCourt on Wednesday.

McCourt reportedly had a lengthy meeting with Scott Boras, Ramirez's agent, on Tuesday and they are working on finalizing a two-year deal worth $45 million. The contract includes a second-year player option.

"I'm happy in LA I like my teammates and had a great time," said Ramirez in an interview with the Los Angeles Times Tuesday. "The fans were so good to me; they treated me the best anywhere in my career. And now I think we're close [to a deal]."

According to MLB.com, the deal includes a player opt-out clause after the first year.

Just last Thursday, Boras rejected the Dodgers' latest offer to the slugger, reported also to be a two-year deal worth $45 million. At the time, McCourt said while the team loves Ramirez and wanted him back, they would only re- start the negotiations when Boras "finds those 'serious offers' from other clubs."

Ramirez, who is an unrestricted free agent, just completed an eight-year, $160 million contract he signed with Boston in 2001. The Dodgers acquired the slugger from the Red Sox last July 31, and Ramirez led LA to the NL Championship Series before losing to World Series champion Philadelphia.

Ramirez hit .396 with 17 homers and 53 RBI in just 53 games after joining the Dodgers. He batted .299 with 20 homers and 68 RBI in 100 contests for Boston in 2008.