WASHINGTON (AFP) - David Beckham has declared himself "at home already," with the former football star poised to confirm Wednesday that he will own a Major League Soccer team in Miami.

It has been one of the worst-kept secrets in world football that Beckham intends to exercise his option to buy an MLS club and wants to bring it to Miami, with the plan contingent on a deal for a privately funded stadium, US media report.

The former midfielder, 38, who made his name at Manchester United and later played for Real Madrid, AC Milan and LA Galaxy, is to hold a press conference on Wednesday at an art museum in downtown Miami, at which he is expected to announce details of the team.

The MLS said there would be "a significant announcement impacting the Miami community," with Beckham joined by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

The team will be ready for action in 2016 or 2017, the Miami Herald said.

"I feel at home already and it's a special place. I am looking forward to spending a lot more time here," Beckham told Miami local television, which put his imminent announcement at the top of the Tuesday late-night news.

"It is very lovely to be welcomed by so many people and so many people want to help with the whole project," added Beckham, whose move will further boost his global profile and that of Major League Soccer.

"It's an exciting time obviously, hopefully for the MLS and myself, and being welcomed to Miami like I've been welcomed is unbelievable."

Beckham was given the opportunity to purchase a team at a discount, reportedly US$25 million (S$31.7 million), as part of the 2007 deal that lured him to the Galaxy.

His investment group in the deal includes Bolivian billionaire Marcelo Claure and British businessman Simon Fuller.

Confirmation of the superstar's latest move for so-called "Brand Beckham" has been anticipated for months, but it has been held up reportedly by trouble finding a suitable site in the city for a stadium that would hold in the region of 25,000 spectators.