The U.S. cable TV network HBO is reportedly close to a deal to offer reruns of its crime drama, "The Wire," on the Black Entertainment Television network.

While neither network would confirm the deal, sources have said the deal would allow BET to start airing the reruns as early as next year's first quarter and would be paired with a significant marketing campaign.

"The Wire," which has a predominantly African-American cast, has become a critics' favorite for HBO during its four seasons on the air but sources confirmed that the drama's consistent low ratings would not make the new deal a financial success for either network.

The sources said that the deal would likely be in the range of $100,000 per episode, significantly less than HBO is used to for its more popular original series, and the series' graphic violence and dark subject matter would make it a difficult sell for BET as well, said the paper.