The 67-year-old Beatles legend is planning to play at a host of "unusual" locations before walking away from performing large scale shows.

A source said: "Paul wants to go out with a bang. He's played countless stadiums over his 50-year career and is on the hunt for the most unusual locations he can find.

"He realizes the older he gets, the less his body will be able to cope with the demands of extended periods on the road. He might play the odd benefit concert - but other than that he'll be putting his feet up and enjoying retirement."

Discussions about which cities Paul will play at are already underway and a host of landmark locations have already been earmarked.

McCartney is keen to perform at China's Tiananmen Square and Checkpoint Charlie - the name given to the best known crossing point at the Berlin Wall, which was torn down in 1989 - while several dates in Brazil have been penciled in for next April.

The source added to Britain's The Sun newspaper: "The tour in 2010 is likely to last well over a year, by which time Paul will be getting close to 70. He's making inquiries about a number of special locations and he's keen to play in China and Checkpoint Charlie."