San Francisco, CA (My Sportsbook) - Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane is on his way to the Boston Red Sox, according to a published report.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Sunday that although Beane has six years remaining on his contract, he will become Boston's general manager this week.

The 40-year-old Beane, who is considered to be one of the best executives in baseball, was given permission by the financially strapped A's to speak to Boston. The Red Sox have pursued Beane since the end of the season, and have shown interest in him for even longer.

The A's would likely get a package of players and/or financial consideration in exchange for Beane.

"If a deal can be struck and if compensation can be worked out, Billy might wind up in Boston," A's president Mike Crowley told the Chronicle. "If they are willing to work out a deal -- and I think they would be -- I think we'll be able to work out compensation."

Beane has been credited with structuring a successful organization despite one of baseball's lowest payrolls. However, the A's have lost several key figures in the past year, including three high level free agents, two other members of the front office and most recently manager Art Howe.

Beane has been with the organization since 1990 and became the GM following the 1997 season. He started his tenure in the front office as an advance scout in 1990 and became the assistant general manager under Sandy Alderson in 1993. He played six years in the majors with the Mets, Twins, Tigers and the Athletics.