Onyewu reportedly agrees to terms with Marseille

Oguchi Onyewu's move from Standard Liege to Olympique de Marseille could be just a matter of formalities.

According to French soccer news Web site Mercato365.com, the towering central defender has already agreed to a deal lasting 3½ years.

Now all that remains is for the two clubs to reach an agreement on the price, which is expected to be around $4 million.

A consistent starter for the U.S. national team, which conceded eight goals in 2008, Onyewu's current deal expires in the summer and he has rejected extensions. Standard would rather cut its losses and sell the American in the January transfer window than lose him for free six months later.

According to France Football's Web site, rival French club Paris Saint-Germain has pulled out of the running to sign the former Newcastle defender.

Onyewu previously had a short stint in France with Metz, and holds Belgian citizenship, both of which will ease the move to Marseille.