[sammyg2]

Schumi-Mercedes deal nearly done and dusted?
Sunday 13th December 2009

If reports are to be believed, then Michael Schumacher and Mercedes GP fans are set to receive an early Christmas present this week.


Schumacher has been linked with a return to Formula One since early November when Mercedes decided to buy the majority stake in Brawn GP.


The German carmaker has promised to announce Nico Rosberg's team-mate before Christmas and it looks like they will be true to their word.


German daily Bild claims the deal between seven-times Schumacher and Mercedes is almost signed and sealed and it will be announced in the next week.


The paper reports that "the contract is ready to be signed" and that Schumacher has verbally agreed to the deal.


It also adds that the 40-year-old will sign a one-year contract worth in the region of €7 million.


Schumacher and his spokesperson refused to comment about the report while Mercedes dished out the "there is always speculation as long as one seat in our team is not taken" comment.


Although the German signed a new three-year consultancy deal with Ferrari in September, the Italian outfit is unlikely to prevent him from joining Mercedes.