Ann Curry -- The Final Cut is In the Works

In the case of Ann Curry and the "Today" show -- the writing is not only on the wall, it's in the editing room, because we've learned producers are already preparing Ann's farewell montage ... network sources tell TMZ.

Our sources -- and they are impeccable -- tell us they are determined to cut a deal with Ann by week's end. We're told the deal is not closed yet -- as we reported, Ann wants her contract paid off in full to the tune of $20 million. She also wants to leave the network. NBC offered her a measly $10 mil and a diminished role in the news department. We're told there has been "some movement," but the parties haven't struck a deal ... yet.

We're told NBC wants Savannah Guthrie -- Ann's replacement -- firmly in place before the Olympics so they can showcase her next to Matt Lauer.

One more thing ... There are reports "Today" news anchor, Natalie Morales, wants to leave the network because she's pissed off that she's now been passed over twice for the co-anchor job. We're told -- by people who absolutely know -- that story is "total baloney." We're told Natalie "loves her job and she's completely happy with what she's doing."