French newspaper says Sarkozy could wed on February 9

Paris: French President Nicolas Sarkozy could marry Italian singer Carla Bruni early next month, a French newspaper reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources.

The weekly Journal du Dimanche said that Sarkozy had already given Bruni a diamond engagement ring and received a watch from Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe.

"They are getting married! February 9?" the newspaper headlined its front page over a photograph of Sarkozy and Bruni visiting Jordan's Petra at the weekend.

It said the date of a wedding had been set for Friday, February 8 or more probably Saturday, February 9.

Sarkozy's office declined to comment.

The couple, who met at a party in November, have dominated coverage in French media with magazines lavishing extensive news on their visits to Disneyland Paris and Egypt.