Real ready to sell Beckham next year
(Sports Illustrated)
Updated: 2006-10-26 08:38
MADRID, Spain - Real Madrid is reportedly prepared to sell former England
captain David Beckham in January's transfer window.
Real Madrid's David Beckham of
England reacts after their King's Cup soccer match against Ecija at
Ecija's San Pablo stadium October 25, 2006.
[Reuters] |
The 31-year-old midfielder has been unable to earn a starting job for the
Galacticos under new coach Fabio Capello.
And with Beckham refusing to sign a new contract at the Bernabeu until he is
guaranteed a starting spot, the Spanish giants may offload him in January to
stop him leaving for nothing next summer.
Real bought Beckham from Manchester United in 2003 and signed him to a
four-year, $41 million contract, but it seems certain he has no future under
Capello.
Beckham has started just four games under the new regime and played only 13
minutes of Sunday's victory over Barcelona.
He has previously stated he is not interested in a return to England, but
Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder admits he would be at the front of a bevy of clubs
who would welcome him with open arms.
"I think a lot of clubs in the Premiership would like to have David Beckham,"
Roeder said. "I think if he came back, bearing in mind he said he will never
play in the Premiership again, any team lucky enough to secure his services --
their supporters will enjoy watching him play."
Beckham has been strongly linked with a move to America's Major League
Soccer. But a return to England's top tier would arguably give his chances of a
return to the national fold under Steve McClaren a shot in the
arm.
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