TEAMtalk guest Adam Bate admits PSG mainly want David Beckham due to his brand - but claims he still has something to offer on the pitch.

The speculation that Paris Saint-Germain could be set to bring David Beckham back to Europe has reignited the debate surrounding the former England captain - is he still a real footballer or is he merely a brand?

At PSG, they are making all the right noises. Former Manchester City player Ali Benarbia, now an adviser to the Qataris who own the club, says: "Physically he is in good shape and the club needs him."

Footballing reasons are also put forward by former PSG player and coach Luis Fernandez who says: "I've always loved Beckham, even at his age he can strike a ball so well and his personality can improve a group."

But Beckham has long had his critics.

James Lawton of the Independent suggested it was 'sacrilege' that Beckham equalled and then surpassed Bobby Moore's record of caps.

And Jeff Powell of the Daily Mail was particularly scathing of Beckham's final England appearance (for which he was awarded man of the match), referring to the player as "England's bit-part celebrity" and accusing him of making "a lesser contribution than the ball boys".

What is it about Beckham that so irks these veteran journalists? After all, Beckham's record surely speaks for itself. He's a Champions League-winning player who won six Premier League titles before going to Spain and winning La Liga.

He has played under Sir Alex Ferguson, Fabio Capello and Carlo Ancelotti - not men likely to be impressed by celebrity - and has twice been runner-up for FIFA's World Player of the Year, an award nominated by coaches and captains of international teams.

On the face of it, this is not a record that needs to be questioned.

The problem for Beckham is that the power of his brand muddies the waters - because no matter how he plays on the field, he will continue to be financially viable off it.

Of course, PSG know this. Just as LA Galaxy hoped he could raise the profile of football in America, there will be those believing he can work the same trick in France.

Increased awareness of the PSG revolution means improved TV contracts, the ability to attract better players and countless merchandising opportunities.

And for everything Beckham has achieved in the game, these things have very little to do with his on-field performance.

Even the man himself seems surprised, saying: "I must say that I'm amazed that, at my age, I have had so many [offers]."

Perhaps he too is wondering what will happen if the golden goose is finally cooked.

If so, it would be no shame on Beckham the player. He is set to become the third oldest midfielder playing in Ligue 1 - the other two men play for newly-promoted sides Dijon and Evian.

Indeed, he is already older than any midfielder in Serie A and, if not for the presence of former team-mate Ryan Giggs, would be the oldest in the Premier League too.

It all adds weight to the theory that Beckham's potential longevity at the top of the game may be due to something more than mere ability.

But as long as Beckham can do a passable imitation of the man who served Manchester United and England so well, the furore will surely continue when it comes to the world's foremost celebrity-footballer.