MySpace is gearing up against Facebook

As competition heats up with Facebook, social network MySpace is set to launch a major redesign of its Web site next week.

While MySpace won’t say so directly, it appears its new site design may be the beginning of an effort to slow its competitor’s advances. Launching Monday, but not appearing across its pages until Wednesday, the redesign will change many of the most popular features of the site.

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Initially, the changes are slated to appear on the home page and search functions, as well as the navigation, profile editing, and MySpace TV. However, officials said additional changes are on tap throughout the summer.

Changes are aimed at keeping users on the site longer. While it will still keep true to its roots as a social networking site, additional functionality will be added so that the site resembles more of an online portal.

MySpace co-founder and president Tom Anderson is making it no secret who he plans to compete with in the future — specifically mentioning Yahoo and Google to the press as the site’s newest rivals.