ATLANTA (AP) — Major League Soccer is closing in on a deal with Falcons owner Arthur Blank to bring an expansion franchise to Atlanta's new downtown stadium.

A top official from Blank's parent company, Kim Schreckengost, said Tuesday negotiations continue and "we hope to complete an agreement soon." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has reported a new team will be announced April 16.

The MLS has long coveted the Atlanta market, the largest in the U.S. without a franchise, as it moves toward its goal of 24 teams.

The 19-team league already has announced new franchises in New York and Orlando that are scheduled to begin play next season. There also is a provisional franchise in Miami owned by a group led by David Beckham.