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Puma set to snare Serena

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Tennis star Serena Williams is set to sign the biggest endorsement deal of its kind for a female athlete.

Williams is expected to secure a new multi-million dollar contract with her existing clothing partner Puma after beating off competition from rival brand Nike.

Although no figure has been put on the deal, it is widely anticipated to dwarf the $8m-a-year deal her sister Venus signed with Reebok in December 2000.

It is believed part of the deal will see Serena launch her own range of sportswear.

Puma is hoping the deal will reinforce its position in the sports marketplace and rival the domination of the likes of Reebok and Nike.

Puma's first deal with Serena, signed in 1998, was worth just $2m-a-year.