Lewis Hamilton close to joining Mercedes?

Mercedes have moved closer to finalising a deal to sign Lewis Hamilton for next year's Formula 1 season, according to reports.

Hamilton is reportedly stalling on signing a new deal with McLaren after they offered him an arrangement inferior to his current one.

That has encouraged Mercedes to step in with a contract offer than could be worth £60m over three years, according to the Daily Mail.

It is also believed that the tag of number one driver and the opportunity to work with team principal Ross Brawn could also sway the decision in favour of Mercedes.

Hamilton is currently second in the drivers' championship after winning the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday.