Jimmy Fallon appears to be closer to the role of successor for “Late Night” host Conan O’Brien’s chair on NBC in 2009, sources said. Published reports showed on Thursday that Fallon has signed, or soon will sign, a deal with NBC.

O'Brien, whose show airs at 12:35 a.m., is moving into the 11:35 p.m. slot next year after "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno's retirement, which was announced in 2004, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The official announcement is scheduled for May 12 during NBC’s upfront presentation to advertisers in New York. During this time interval, Fallon and “Late Night” executive producer Lorne Michaels should establish the details, assemble a team and prepare for Fallon’s takeover.

There have been some rumors in the press that O’Brien will be moving to the new “Tonight Show” home at Universal Studios’ Stage One. It is not clear whether "Late Night" with Fallon will stay at Studio 6A at New York's 30 Rock, the same source reported. 

Jimmy Fallon, 33, participated as co-star on “SNL” for six seasons. It is well-known as the host of its “Weekend Update” segment.

Variety noted that Fallon has been the only real candidate for the job since February 2007, when Broadcasting & Cable and the New York Times reported that the former “Saturday Night Live”star had quietly signed a holding deal envisioning just such a gig.

Six months later, the news were confirmed by Peacock latenight chief Rick Ludwin.

"I think he'd be terrific, and he is at the top of our short list," Ludwin told B&C.