White Sox left-hander John Danks reportedly is close to signing an extension.

The deal is said to be worth $65 million over five years for the 26-year-old, who is a leading candidate to replace Mark Buehrle as the Opening Day starter in Texas on April 6.

A Sox source wouldn't shoot down the reports but also said an announcement has not been scheduled. Danks would have to pass a physical before the deal would become official.

Danks was set to earn about $8-9 million in arbitration and would have been eligible for free agency after the 2012 season, which made him a tradeable commodity.

Danks' best season was 2010 when he was 15-11 with a 3.72 ERA while topping 195 innings for the third consecutive season. He started horribly last season with eight straight losses in his first 11 starts before rebounding to finish 8-12 with a 4.33 ERA.

The Sox believe Danks, whose career record is 54-56 with a 4.03 ERA in five seasons with the Sox, is ready to assume Buehrle's role as staff leader.

The Sox lost Buehrle to free agency two weeks ago. The fan favorite and close friend of Danks signed a four-year, $58 million deal with the Miami Marlins.