For years we’ve been hearing (and reporting) that The Beatles catalog was coming to iTunes. Now it looks like the deal will finally come together.

Sorry – I couldn’t resist the lame, overused song pun. I also can’t resist reporting on this story a third time. Hopefully this one is a charm.

Gadgetell reports that Paul McCartney has already signed a deal that will see the songwriter collect the lions’ share of a $400 million dollar deal, with money also going to Ringo Starr, Michael Jackson, EMI, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison.

Aside from the actual sum involved, there’s also the rumor that a Yellow Submarine-branded iPod is coming. Perhaps it will help kick off the catalog’s availability—whenever that may actually be. Of course, Apple has no comment and even went as far as to say, “this is not news nor is it a scoop” (via Billboard).

That may be the case, but we’re still hoping. The deal has been in the works for long enough; let’s get it done already.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.