Early on Thursday, European transfer deadline day, Paris Saint-Germain recognised the perfect opportunity to once again take centre stage by announcing the imminent arrival of former England captain and global superstar David Beckham. Although the move has not officially been confirmed by the club as yet, PSG have scheduled a news conference for 17h00 CET at Parc des Princes with sporting director Leonardo and club President Nasser Al-Khelaifi present.

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The move had been mooted more than a year previously, and it appears the capital club are finally set to get their man. The news comes at a critical moment for French football after Ligue 1 has seen its talent pool plundered by a host of European sides in recent weeks, particularly the English Premier League and Newcastle United. The move not only would lend the PSG project more credibility but would give French football the shot in the arm it badly needs after a difficult month.

On the pitch, les Parisiens' game with Toulouse on Friday will come too soon for the 37-year-old, but a home debut against Corsican side Bastia next week is a distinct possibility. With a wealth of talent already occupying the PSG midfield -- including Lucas Moura, Jeremy Menez (currently deployed as a support striker), Javier Pastore, Blaise Matuidi, Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti and Clement Chantome -- it is unclear exactly how or where the 115-capped England international will fit into coach Carlo Ancelotti's plans immediately.

Malian international Momo Sissoko is expected to make space in the squad by joining Italian Serie A side Fiorentina on loan shortly. Talented youngster Adrien Rabiot, who has been linked to a host of English clubs, will be joining Friday's opponents TFC on loan for the rest of the season to gain some valuable first-team experience. That is another area where Beckham will be expected to contribute; fresh from helping MLS' Los Angeles Galaxy secure their second consecutive MLS Cup, he will bring a winning culture to the club with his impressive CV.

The likes of Rabiot, Moura, Pastore and a host of other players who have yet to taste major success in Europe will look to Beckham for influence and to set an example alongside seasoned star Zlatan Ibrahimovic. With the kinds of accolades and trophy success Beckham has from his time with Manchester United and Real Madrid, Ancelotti is set to land another "winner" that he so desperately craved to create a culture of success in Paris.

With mass hysteria ensuing in the capital in the wake of the news, rumours abound once more regarding a potential rebrand of the club, and there are plenty of questions that will be asked of Beckham's arrival and the future for a host of other star names. What is clear, though, is that the club's ambitious plans have persuaded Goldenballs to put his considerable weight behind the project. That begs questions about contract length. A six-month deal would make little sense for a player of his stature, so early estimates of an 18-month deal seem accurate. However, suggestions of a pay-as-you-play deal seem unlikely with the club no doubt expecting the six-time Premier League winner and former UEFA Best Player in Europe to contribute on a regular basis.

Beckham's unveiling should be confirmed later Thursday, but, for now, just the simple news that he is arriving in the capital has ensured PSG top billing on transfer deadline day with another statement of intent. His arrival might deviate from the club's initial focus on youth, given that he soon turns 38, but the wider ramifications of the arrival of a bona fide superstar add yet more substance to the club's ambitious plans.

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