Beckham poised to begin talks on new deal at Real
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.David Beckham will not leave Real Madrid during the current transfer window and is about to reopen talks over a new deal at the Bernabeu, according to the former England captain's spokesman.
Speculation has been rife that the 31-year-old would leave this month after finding first-team opportunities hard to come by this season. But the player's spokesman, Simon Oliveira, said discussions on a two-year extension to his current deal, which expires in June, would open next week.
"There is a significant deal on the table from Real," he said. "It's slightly more than he's on at the moment. They are the only club we are genuinely talking to at the moment and another meeting is scheduled for the second week of January."
Oliveira denied that off-field considerations could also play a role in determining Beckham's next move. Under the terms of his contract, Real own 50 per cent of Beckham's image rights, but Oliveira said: "The primary reason for any decision David makes will be a footballing one."
Beckham's former team-mate, the Sunderland manager Roy Keane, has another ex-United luminary, Dwight Yorke, to thank for convincing his international team-mate Carlos Edwards to go to Wearside. The Trinidad & Tobago winger completed a £1.5m move to Sunderland from Luton on Tuesday after Yorke helped to sell the club to him.
"Dwight had a huge part to play," he said. "I did not need much persuasion to come, but I spoke to Dwight - as you know, he's so laid back he can sleep on water! He told me he's been at other clubs like Manchester United and Aston Villa, and he has never seen the facilities he has at Sunderland."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments