Tigers having 'extensive trade talks' with Yankees about Detroit's coveted ace

With the trade deadline hours away, the Detroit Tigers are receiving a never-ending stream of phone calls about their two starting pitchers.

While Tarik Skubal is unlikely to be moved (although the possibility has not been completely ruled out ), Jack Flaherty has become the arm that contenders are bidding for en masse.

According to a post on Monday from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the New York Yankees, in particular, have advanced far into negotiations with the Tigers for Flaherty.

"The New York Yankees are in extensive trade talks for Tigers starter Jack Flaherty, and plan to trade starter Nestor Cortes if they land Flaherty," Nightengale said.

If conversations are as prolonged as reported, Detroit's general manager Jeff Greenberg must feel that the Yankees are prepared to make the best offer for Flaherty compared to other suitors such as the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Flaherty moving from the Tigers to the Yankees would shake up the entire deadline situation and officially put starting pitchers on the market's endangered species list.

Will Greenberg come to terms with New York's general manager Brian Cashman on a deal for Flaherty, or will another team swoop in at the eleventh hour and make an offer that Greenberg has to accept?

More MLB: Dodgers remain likely landing spot for Tigers righty hurler, per insider