WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal reportedly spent much of Tuesday in the East Bay as the Oakland A's entertained him and his wife, as well as his agent, Foxsports.com reported.

Furcal, 31, visited the Oakland Coliseum, had lunch with A's general manager Billy Beane and also spent time touring communities where he'd be most likely to reside if he decided to sign with the A's. Furcal's wife, Glenny, and his agent, Paul Kinzer, were also on Tuesday's tour, sources told Foxsports.com.

Efforts to reach A's officials were unsuccessful.

The A's and Giants are thought to be the most serious suitors of Furcal, a switch-hitter who is said to be seeking a four-year contract. Furcal is expected to meet again today with the A's, with Oakland possibly making a formal contract offer, according to Foxsports' sources.

The Web site also reported that the A's have begun talks with the Washington Nationals about acquiring first baseman Nick Johnson, including looking at medical records of the oft-injured former New York Yankee. Johnson presumably would spend time at designated hitter as well as provide insurance in case Daric Barton can't hold onto Oakland's first base job.