SOURCES SAY RAIDERS CLOSE TO OAKLAND AGREEMENT

     Officials close to negotiations said yesterday "the Oakland-
rooted franchise is close -- but just short -- of an agreement to
return north," according to David Li in today's OAKLAND TRIBUNE.
Coliseum President George Vukasin and City Council member Ignacio
De La Fuente said the East Bay offer to the Raiders "is gaining
serious consideration," but both officials have denied that
Raiders Owner Al Davis had accepted.  The fate of the Raiders is
expected to be decided next week at the NFL owners meeting in
Jacksonville, and although he would not comment on "specific
stadium issues," a Raiders spokesperson "hinted" yesterday that
the meetings "could help settle the issue" (OAKLAND TRIBUNE,
5/17).