WASHINGTON -- The New York Times is reporting that Senator Hillary Clinton has accepted an offer from the Obama administration to serve as secretary of state.

Obama wasn't expected to make any cabinet announcements until after the Thanksgiving holiday. But according to the Times, two Clinton confidants say it's already a done deal.

The Clinton camp responded to reports only by saying, "We're still in discussions, which are very much on track. Any reports beyond that are premature."

If she takes the job, Clinton would have to surrender her Senate seat, which she has held for eight years. Governor David Paterson would then appoint her replacement.