The John Lannan saga continues.

The Dodgers and Rockies have had recent discussions with the Nationals about the veteran left-hander, but no trade is close, according to major-league sources.

The Nationals want any club that acquires Lannan to pay the rest of his remaining salary and part with at least one legitimate player, sources say.

Lannan, 27, is owed just under $3.5 million of his $5 million salary. He is again eligible for arbitration in 2013, and then will become a free agent.

The Rockies “kicked the tires” on Lannan but were turned off by the price, while talks between the Dodgers and Nationals have been only preliminary, sources say.

Lannan has spent the entire season with Triple A Syracuse after going 10-13 with a 3.70 ERA in 33 starts for the Nationals last season.

He has not helped his trade value with his inconsistent performance at Triple A, going 4-5 with a 5.63 in 10 starts.

The Dodgers, short on prospects but financially flexible under new ownership, are looking for starting pitching, sources say. Lannan would be a potential alternative to left-hander Ted Lilly, who is on the disabled list with a shoulder problem.

The Rockies, who recently released left-hander Jamie Moyer, also are exploring the market for starters. They are interested in signing left-hander Jeff Francis, according to FOXSports.com’s Tracy Ringolsby. Francis recently opted out of his minor-league deal with the Reds.

-Ken Rosenthal