This just in: Clemens will be back — maybe

Newsday is reporting this afternoon that Roger Clemens has signed a one-year deal with the Astros that could be worth about $10.5 million depending on when he returns to the field. The 'Stros will reportedly pay the 43-year-old pitcher $3.5 million a month under the deal.

If it works out, the contract will end months of speculation about whether Clemens would stay with the Astros, go to another team — the Yankees, Red Sox and Rangers were mentioned a lot — or retire. The 'Stros declined to offer Clemens salary arbitration in December, meaning the team couldn't negotiate with him until May 1.

Though Newsday reports an announcement will come soon, the Astros are denying that Clemens has signed anything, according to the 11 News Blog. 'Stros owner Drayton McLane told KHOU he'll be in Houston tomorrow and "hopes to announce a Clemens deal soon." The Chronicle has similar word from McLane, who said the Newsday report was "total news to us."