Former president of Marseille Bernard Tapie is adamant that Paris Saint-Germain are eager to sign David Beckham in order to boost the status of the club.

The 36-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the French side, with director Leonardo claiming that the former England captain has been in negotiations with the Paris-based club.

While Beckham recently stated that he would not make a switch to a club for "brand" reasons, Tardie, who was sent to prison in the nineties for corruption, believes that the player's status will influence referees.

"When you have David Beckham in your team, the world of football, even the referees will no longer look at you in the same way," The Mirror quotes Tardie as saying. "Why pretend? The psychological influence that a big personality or club can exert is fundamental.

"Everyone says a lot of stupid things about corruption of referees - the envelopes, the prostitutes, the gold watches! Everyone forgets the human factor. A referee will always find it more difficult to whistle for a penalty against Real Madrid than Auxerre.

"Outside of France, who really knows PSG? Next season, if Paris play in the Champions League with Beckham in the team, the whole world will be talking about PSG. Not only because they will have become French champions, but because they will have a world star in the team."

The ex-Manchester United star has not confirmed talks with the Ligue 1 side, but has insisted that a return to the Premier League is unlikely.