PITTSBURGH -- Just when both sides started talking tough, it seems negotiations for a new Penguins arena in Pittsburgh are picking back up again.

Late Tuesday night, Gov. Ed Rendell said he had talked with Pens co-owner Ron Burkle over the phone.

While there's still no deal, both sides are playing the numbers game -- and the numbers here are all about cash.

Rendell said although there is no deal yet, he is optimistic, and negotiations seem to be back on track after he received what he called a "friendly" telephone call.

Just days ago, Pens part-owner Mario Lemieux described talks between the team and local leaders as "disappointing."

"We want to reach agreement," said Rendell. "We think we're getting closer. We're hopeful."

Rendell said the current deal being offered is better than any other of its kind in the state's history.

The Penguins are being asked to pay less than 18 percent for construction of a new arena, lower than what other teams have paid for new homes.

That deal would get the pens a $300 million facility, and the team would keep all the money made there, along with half of the parking fees.

Rendell said he would appeal to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman if the team turns down what he considers such an attractive proposition.

"When Commissioner Bettman came to Pittsburgh, he said, loud and clear, if an offer on a stadium was a good offer, given the strength of the fan base here, he wouldn't approve a move," said Rendell. "And they shouldn't approve a move."

Kansas City has been wooing the Pens with a brand-new arena that is set to open in the fall. With their deal, the Pens would be allowed to stay at the arena rent-free and would not have to pitch in for any construction costs, but the team would have to share revenue.

Moving to Houston is another possibility that has been thrown around, however, a spokesman for that city's mayor said talks are, at this point, not significant.

Rendell said he expects to meet again with Burkle early next week.

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