Just one day before the commissioner-imposed gag order on managerial announcements for the World Series, the Mets were no closer to landing Lou Piniella -- or anyone else -- as their new skipper.

ESPN's Peter Gammons reported Thursday night that sources tell him no deal has been struck that would allow departed Mariners manager Lou Piniella to manage in New York next season.

Meanwhile, New York radio station WEVD 1050, an ESPN Radio affiliate, was reporting Thursday night that the Mets could name Piniella as their new manager on Friday.

If so, the Mets say it's news to them: "These reports are incorrect. We've been hearing them all night,'' Mets spokesman Jay Horowitz said. "We do not have permission to talk to Piniella.''

The Mets said they will not be holding a news conference Friday.

A's skipper Art Howe had been a candidate as well, but his name was taken off the board Thursday night.

Howe told the New York Daily News he'd be back in Oakland next season.

"It was flattering the Mets had interest in me," Howe told the newspaper. "Things just didn't work out. I'm looking forward to coming back to Oakland and winning a championship."

A's GM Billy Beane, who granted the Mets permission to talk to Howe earlier in the week, said the A's had withdrawn that permission.

The Daily News quoted Piniella in its Friday editions as being "disappointed'' with the Mariners' handling of the negotiations, and that he wants to "get on with my life.''

The newspaper also said Friday that commissioner Bud Selig is growing concerned about the negotiations. Teams will not be permitted to announce managerial announcements during the World Series, which starts Saturday.

"Obviously I wish they could have started this process earlier,'' Selig said. "I'm concerned about anything that would be a distraction to the World Series, as this could be. And I plan to talk to all the parties to hopefully bring a resolution to it.''

The Mets, Devils Rays and a third team have expressed interest in interviewing Piniella, according to the Mariners. They haven't identified the third club, at that team's request, and team spokesman Tim Hevly declined to say if there have been talks with that organization.

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino, responding to speculation that team might be Boston, said Thursday that the team has not asked for permission to talk to the Mariners manager and doesn't plan to do so.

The Mets also told Gammons that the compensation the Devil Rays are willing to give for Piniella is higher than what New York would part with.

Seattle officials have agreed to release Piniella from the final year of his contract, provided teams interested in hiring him agree to "appropriate and reasonable compensation."

That means players and/or cash.

New York's Newsday, citing an anonymous baseball source, reported Friday that the Mariners no longer were asking for two of the Mets' top prospects -- shortstop Jose Reyes and pitcher Aaron Heilman -- but that talks had stalled anyway.

Mariners sources, quoted in the Daily News, said Seattle might attempt to include Piniella's rights in a trade that would also send third baseman Jeff Cirillo to the Mets for "middle of the road" prospects.

Seattle president Chuck Armstrong spoke Wednesday and Thursday with Mets owner Fred Wilpon and Tampa Bay managing general partner Vince Naimoli, but made no deals involving compensation for Piniella.

The Mets have an opening at third base since Edgardo Alfonzo's contract has expired. Cirillo has three years left on a four-year, $28.5 million contract.

Despite the team's lack of on-field success Tampa Bay is thought to be a logical destination for Piniella, whose home and family are there.

"The Devil Rays have had several discussions (Thursday) with the Seattle Mariners concerning compensation for Lou Piniella,'' Tampa Bay GM Chuck LaMar said. "At this point, we have not agreed to terms.''

Piniella's agent, Alan Nero, did not return telephone messages seeking comment.

Gillick, overseeing the search for Seattle's next manager, said he doesn't plan to pursue any candidates until next week.