The Yankees are working on a trade to acquire Lance Berkman from the Houston Astros. The deal was gaining momentum Friday and was likely to happen before Saturday's trade deadline, a baseball executive familiar with the discussions said. The executive spoke on condition of anonymity because talks were ongoing.

It was not immediately clear who the Yankees would send to Houston in exchange for the five-time All-Star. Berkman has full no-trade rights, so he would have to approve a deal.

The 34-year-old Berkman began Friday hitting .245 with 13 homers and 49 RBIs. He has 60 walks and 70 strikeouts in 298 at-bats.

Berkman would fill the designated hitter slot originally intended for Nick Johnson, who returned to the Yankees during the offseason. The brittle Johnson has been on the disabled list since May 8 with a right wrist injury that required surgery.

Berkman, last an All-Star in 2008, is making $14.5 million this year. His contract includes a team option for 2011 at $15 million with a $2 million buyout.

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AP freelance writer Mark Didtler in Tampa, Fla., contributed to this report.