BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills could identify a new owner within three months, leading Gov. Andrew Cuomos stepping up the states efforts to secure the franchises long-term future in the region. A person familiar with the sale process told The Associated Press on Saturday there is an anticipation that the Bills could be sold by July, and the sale approved by NFL owners as early as the leagues meetings in October. The same person and another person also told the AP that at least one prospective ownership group has already toured potential new stadium locations in Buffalo. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because the sale process has not been made public. The person would not identify which ownership group toured the city, what sites were viewed or who provided the tour. The Bills future in Buffalo is uncertain after team owner and founder Ralph Wilson died in March. Wilsons estate is in the process of hiring an investment banking firm that would oversee the sale of the team, which is expected to go to the highest bidder. The updated timetable has led Cuomo to speed up the states involvement in protecting its interests in preventing the Bills from relocating. The state intends to hire a consulting firm over the next week to produce a report within three months that would be issued to prospective owners. The report would identify potential stadium sites and outline public financing options that would be made available. That firm would work with sports business attorney Irwin Raij, whose contract was extended last month, to represent the state during the sale process. Raij specializes in stadium development projects and lease agreements. In 2012, he represented New York in negotiating the Bills 10-year lease that included a strict non-relocation clause that makes it difficult for the team to move before the 2020 season. The firm would produce its report ahead of the "New Stadium Working Group," a committee made up of public and private leaders, including Bills executives. The group has already met twice over the past month and is responsible for making recommendations whether a new stadium or renovations to the teams current home best fit the franchises needs to remain viable in Buffalo once the lease expires in 2023. The working group is expected to take six months or longer before making its recommendations, well after the team could be sold. Cuomo is intent on making sure a framework of a plan is in place much sooner, Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy told the AP during a visit through the region Friday. "The governor wants to be prepared if there are any earlier offers to buy the team," Duffy said. "Our team is looking at sites now in Erie County, Buffalo, Niagara County. Were just being prepared because we dont know who the next owner will be. Were not sure what the goals and the objectives of the next ownership team will be." Cheap Salomon Online . Venable and Jeremy Hermida drove in three runs apiece, and the Padres beat the Colorado Rockies 7-2 on Sunday to snap a nine-game losing streak. Salomon Outlet Uk . Ending a nine-game losing streak? That gave the Milwaukee Bucks veteran forward a reason to smile. http://www.cheapsalomonuk.com/ . Louis Cardinals have agreed to a one-year contract. Salomon Wholesale Uk .Y. -- Nothing seems to phase No. Salomon Shoes Uk .That means, of course, that John Wall beat the Spurs for the first time ever — within weeks of his first wins in head-to-head games against nemeses Chris Paul and Derrick Rose.CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs have acquired catcher George Kottaras from the Kansas City Royals for a cash consideration. The 30-year-old Kottaras served as Kansas Citys backup catcher last season after being claimed off waivers from Oakland in January. He played in 46 games,, hitting .dddddddddddd.180 with five home runs and 12 RBIs. He is a .214 hitter with 29 home runs and 96 RBIs over 295 major league games with Boston (2008-09), Milwaukee (2010-12), Oakland (2012) and Kansas City (2013). The Cubs announced the deal on Tuesday. ' ' '