7/26 14:28: Jayson Stark of ESPN says that it’s likely that trade talks for Francoeur are now dead since Jason Bay is heading to the disabled list for a concussion.

7/26 16:53: Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star tweets, “#Royals are (privately) very dismissive of the rumors linking them in a trade with the #Mets.”

7/26 13:12: With the names mentioned, a source close to Jayson Stark of ESPN.com says that the Kansas City Royals have “no interest” in a trade with the Mets.

7/26 12:26: Anthony DiComo of MLB.com says that it’s doubtful that anything will come out of the talks between the Mets and Royals regarding Francoeur before Saturday’s non-waiver Trade Deadline.

DiComo said that multiple published reports claim that the Mets were interested in dealing Francoeur, who is making $5 million this season for reliever Farnsworth, who is making $4.5 million. The Mets are wary of trading Francoeur in the event that Carlos Beltran suffers a setback from his knee surgery.

7/25 17:27: Andy Martino of the New York Daily News tweets, “Mets are indeed talking with Royals about Francoeur, source says. Farnsworth seen as possible bullpen help. Talks w/ K.C. are fluid, but it doesn’t appear that Guillen to Mets is direction it’s headed. Thinking is more that if Guillen goes somewhere else, they’d be interested in Francoeur. Mets have outfielders already.”

7/25 16:58: Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated tweets, “trade of well-paid players between mets, royals makes sense. francoeur, guillen, ollie, meche, castillo in the talks.” Heyman adds, “francoeur, ollie “on block,” says source. kc trade “might happen,” says another.”

7/25 16:14: In a series of Tweets, Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports says

#Mets talking to #Royals. Names in play from Royals: [Gil] Meche, [Kyle] Farnsworth, [Jose] Guillen. From Mets: [Oliver] Perez, [Luis] Castillo, [Jeff] Francoeur. Meche’s and Perez’s contracts match up exactly – 12M in 10, 12M in 11. Rest fluid. NOT saying 3-for-3. Just saying those names all under discussion. #Royals def like Francoeur. Guillen FA, Farnsworth club opt for 11, Castillo signed thru 11. To be clear with #Mets, #Royals. These are simply talks. Not sure how advanced.”

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated says, “#mets have talked to #royals regarding francoeur, as @Ken_Rosenthal reported. nothing hot yet, tho. but it makes sense.”

Last week, Rosenthal said that the Royals like Francoeur. Francoeur has a relationship with Royals’ GM Dayton Moore during their time in Atlanta. Rosenthal added that Francoeur’s $5 million salary will be an obstacle.

Earlier this month, Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com said the New York Mets tried to trade Oliver Perez, who is midway through a three-year, $36 million contract, to the Kansas City Royals. Rubin said that the Mets approached the Royals about exchanging Perez for right-handed pitcher Gil Meche. Both pitchers have deals that expire after the 2011 season for the same $12 million per year.