CLEVELAND -- The Browns are close to being sold to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam, a minority owner of the Steelers, and there's a guarantee the team won't move from Cleveland. (This is updated from previous versions of the story.)

In a press conference today, Browns President Mike Holmgren confirmed that owner Randy Lerner "will give up controlling interest in the team."

"An unconditional guarantee was given that the Browns would not move before talks could even start,'' a league source told the Plain Dealer.

Lerner, who denied rumors over the past few months that the Browns were for sale, released a statement this morning that he's in negotiations with Haslam.

The following is Lerner's full statement:

"In connection with current rumors and press inquiries, I can report that I've been approached by Mr. Jimmy Haslam, who is interested in making an investment in the Cleveland Browns. We are currently in negotiations and both sides have agreed to keep that dialogue and its details private. Given that any transaction would require League approval, care has been taken so that this process will not be disruptive to the organization, in particular the football team, as it prepares for the upcoming season. We will share further details or make an announcement if it becomes necessary."

Haslam is President of Pilot Flying J Travel Centers, the nation's largest retail operator of travel centers and truck stops. He is the brother of Tennessee governor Bill Haslam.

Howard Eskin of NBC 10 in Philadelphia is also reporting that he's hearing former Eagles president Joe Banner is one of the people involved with the group trying to buy the Browns. Eskin first reported in May that the Browns might be on the block, a report the team denied.

Lerner didn't specify whether he'd be willing to sell the team outright or just a portion of it. Lerner also owns Aston Villa of the English Premier League, but a Villa insider told The Plain Dealer's Tom Reed that rumors Villa is for sale are false.

Reed also reported that Villa lost $58 million and $85 million over the past two seasons.

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson issued a statement reminding that the team is tied to a 30-year lease through 2029 with Cleveland Browns Stadium and that the city would pursue legal options if there was any attempt to break the lease and move the team.

At a press conference last month, Browns President Mike Holmgren said "the Browns are not for sale.''

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The Cleveland Browns, owned by Randy Lerner, are ranked by Forbes as the 30th most valuable sports team in the world, with a worth of $977 million.

The Browns' value, however, is just the 20th highest among the NFL's 32 teams. Forbes ranks the 50 most valuable sports teams in the world. The two richest values belong to the famed soccer teams Manchester United ($2.23 billion) and Real Madrid ($1.88 billion).

The top American teams are tied at No. 3: MLB's New York Yankees and the NFL's Dallas Cowboys at $1.85 billion each.

The Browns, of course, have not been an artistic success in recent years, as Forbes notes.

, Forbes.com writes:

The Browns were 4-12 last season; the Lions, with a team considered one of football's most promising, were 10-6.

MLB's Cleveland Indians and the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers are not included in the top 50. However, no team from the Indians' American League Central Division nor the Cavs' Eastern Conference Central Division are on the list.

The Browns' American Football Conference North Division rivals are all in the top 50: the Baltimore Ravens ($1.09 billion), 18th overall, 10th among NFL teams; the Pittsburgh Steelers ($1.02 billion), 21st overall, 13th among NFL teams; the Cincinnati Bengals ($875 million), 37th overall, 25th among NFL teams.

The Ravens, of course, were the original Browns. Former owner Art Modell moved the Browns from Cleveland to Baltimore following the 1995 season.