keywords: merger sprint nextel usatoday union
text: Sprint, Nextel could make deal this week (USATODAY.com) USATODAY.com - Sprint and Nextel Communications could announce a  #36;35 billion merger this week in a deal that would forge a third goliath in the quickly consolidating wireless industry.  The union would complete Sprint's transformation from perennial also-ran in the troubled long-distance business.