With a payroll deadline looming and a takeover of the team possible, Dodgers owner Frank McCourt has had recent conversations with Major League Baseball officials about salvaging his ownership of the franchise, according to sources. The discussions have focused on McCourt's willingness to sell a stake in the Dodgers in order to keep the team afloat, much as Fred Wilpon has extended his ownership of the Mets. Sources close to the Dodgers said they did not know if McCourt had the funds to meet next week's payroll.