Sir Paul 'set to play Vegas'

Sir Paul McCartney playing in New York last year

Sir Paul McCartney has been offered $4m to play for one night in Las Vegas, according to a newspaper report.

The former Beatle has been made the £2.79m offer by the gambling capital's MGM Grand venue, according to the Sunday Times.

The Tyson brawl ended hopes of a lucrative fight

The newspaper claims the deal would make him the highest-paid British performer of all time.

Sir Paul is being lined-up to replace the postponed world heavyweight championship fight between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson, which was due to take place on 6 April.

The planned fight was set to make hundreds of millions of dollars for the city's tourism and gambling industries, which have suffered since the 11 September terrorist attacks.

But authorities in Nevada refused to grant Tyson a licence after he bit Lewis' thigh in a brawl at a press conference to announce the fight in New York.

The MGM Grand can seat 15,000 people

MGM Grand promotions director Scott Ghertner told the paper: "McCartney would be a great event for us. We have not signed him yet but talks are continuing and we hope to make an announcement soon."

Ticket prices for the 15,000 seat arena could be as high as £250 for the event. The hotel also has over 5,000 rooms, and a lavishly-furnished art deco casino.

Other artists who have played at the MGM Grand include Sir Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel and Bette Midler.