Beckham set to play for Paris

French newspapers on Wednesday trumpeted the imminent arrival in France of England star David Beckham, saying that he had finally agreed on a lucrative deal to play for Paris St Germain

'All set for Beckham,' headlined L'Equipe sports daily, which carried a full front page photo of the 36-year-old midfielder, whose contract with Los Angeles Galaxy expires at the end of December.

'The English midfielder is expected to sign on in early January for PSG, who are actively preparing for his arrival,' the paper wrote.

'The Paris club is planning to celebrate the signing of their new star by organising a 'star-dusted' reception which will take in the Champs-Elysees and the Hotel de Ville (City Hall).' Le Parisien also carried a front page picture of the former England skipper alongside the headline: 'Beckham in Paris - He has said yes.'

Beckham won the MLS Cup with the LA Galaxy on Sunday and his contract is coming to end. The former England captain has yet to decide whether he will return to play in Europe.

PSG sporting director Leonardo recently said he would welcome the chance to bring Beckham to France. PSG has wealthy Qatari backers and spent ?82 million ($116 million) this season—including ?42 million ($60 million) on the 22-year-old Pastore.

“He could help us young players a lot. It would be enriching to talk to him,” Pastore said Wednesday’s edition of sports daily L’Equipe. “Beckham has an imposing presence. No one in our squad has a list of achievements and a background of his caliber.”

The 36-year-old Beckham has played in three World Cups, winning league titles with Manchester United and Real Madrid before moving to the MLS in 2007.

Pastore said Beckham’s “experience of winning” and his “many titles in different places” would prove invaluable to a PSG team that has many players aged 24 or younger.