Person with knowledge of talks tells AP: Sox ask Jays to talk to Farrell about managerial job

BOSTON – A baseball official familiar with the discussions says the Red Sox have asked the Toronto Blue Jays for permission to talk with manager John Farrell about the opening in Boston.

The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the talks are ongoing, confirmed the request to The Associated Press on Friday night.

The official also said the teams are discussing compensation if Farrell is eventually hired.

ESPN first reported the talks.

Farrell was the Red Sox pitching coach for four years before he left for Toronto after 2010. Boston expressed interest in having Farrell take over for Terry Francona after the team’s September collapse in 2011. But the Blue Jays would not allow him to leave then.

The Red Sox have also interviewed Brad Ausmus, Tony Pena, Tim Wallach and DeMarlo Hale to replace Bobby Valentine, who was fired after one dismal season.