San Francisco - Major label EMI, the lone holdout from MySpace's (NYSE: NWS) forthcoming music service joint venture with the other majors, is now close to signing a deal to join the venture, CNET News.com reported, citing two sources close to the negotiations. An EMI spokeswoman confirmed the companies "are in talks" for CNET, and a source said the companies are "trying to jump some final hurdles," adding that EMI might be on board for launch.

MySpace Music, expected to launch this week, will offer free streaming, sharable playlists, and links to purchase DRM-free songs, concert tickets and other related merchandise.

The company has so far not announced any partnerships with independent labels for the service.

Related Links:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10042137-93.html

http://snipurl.com/3quhr (DMW previous coverage)

http://www.emigroup.com