TOKYO (AP) -- Trey Hillman is expected to sign a new contract with the Nippon Ham Fighters as prospects of managing a Major League Baseball team in the U.S. have dimmed, a news report said Tuesday.

Hillman, who led the Fighters to the Japan Series championship last month, will likely sign a contract in the next several days, Kyodo News agency reported, without citing sources.

Yuichi Kawajiri, a spokesman for the Fighters, could not confirm the report, saying the team has not made any announcement. He confirmed, however, the team has asked Hillman to stay on next season.

Hillman left Japan late last month for interviews with several major league teams. He was among several candidates to replace former Texas Rangers manager Buck Showalter.

A native of Arlington, Texas, the 43-year-old Hillman was the director of player development for the Rangers before coming to Japan. He also managed the New York Yankees' triple-A minor league team in Columbus for the 2000-2001 seasons.

Hillman's efforts to catch on with the Rangers, the San Diego Padres and the Oakland Athletics were unsuccessful, Kyodo reported.

Under Hillman, the Fighters surprised many this year, winning their first Japan Series title since 1962.

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