Gov. Ed Rendell said today that state and local officials have revised their offer to the Penguins on a new arena but are not close to a deal to keep the team in Pittsburgh.

Mr. Rendell disputed a published report saying that a new arena deal could be announced today or tomorrow.

"The statements that this is close to a done deal -- that is not correct," he said. "We have given the Penguins a revised offer but in no way shape or form have they indicated it's over."

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review quoted state Sen. Wayne Fontana, a board member of the city-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority, which is involved in the negotiations, as saying an announcement could be made today or tomorrow.

The Penguins have declined comment on the talks.

At a press conference this morning, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said he believes the parties "are close" but would not put a time frame on completion of an agreement.

"This is something that, when we get the opportunity to speak once again, could happen at any time," he said. "Or it could also take a few more weeks. I don't want to put some kind of artificial time table or time frame on the deal, or the agreement. We're still, internally through the SEA, preparing documentation, and lease agreements, and everything associated with the deal, and will continue to do so. And when we get the chance to get back together, we'll be able to talk more specifically about the details of the deal."

Mr. Ravenstahl said state and local officials were "eagerly anticipating" another meeting with the team and said one could occur before the end of the week, although nothing has been scheduled so far.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.