(AP) – Joplin is a step closer to luring an independent professional baseball team from Texas.

The Joplin City Council voted Monday to have the city staff write a formal deal aimed at relocating the El Paso, Texas, Diablos to Joplin. That agreement could be presented next Monday if it is finished that quickly.

The Diablos are affiliated with the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.

The city would be required to renovate and expand Joe Becker Stadium to attract the team. City Manager Mark Rohr says the city’s proposed costs have been reduced from $5.9 million to $4 million because the team would pay to expand stadium parking.

The Diablos play in the same league as the Kansas City T-B