DAVID BECKHAM had showdown talks about his future today
after blundering Real Madrid bosses were forced to backtrack over
claims they would dump him at the end of the season.
Real's embarrassed sporting director Predrag Mijatovic apologised
to Beckham and the club for appearing to tell an Italian TV channel
the former England captain would be axed in the summer. The gaffe
took the strained relationship between the two sides to breaking
point, increasing the chances "Golden Balls" will reject Real's
offer of a two-year contract.
Sources close to Beckham say there is no chance of him leaving this
month. But his advisers, who will meet Madrid officials this
afternoon, say the 31-year-old is being courted by several
Premiership clubs, thought to include Everton, Tottenham, Bolton
and West Ham.
Beckham has been stalling on signing the new deal in Spain because
he is desperate for first team football and is unwilling to spend
two more years on the bench. His spokesman added: "There's a great
offer on the table from Real Madrid, but there are also great
offers from Italy, France, Britain and America.
"We'll be having a meeting with Real. After that there will be a
clearer view of where David's future lies after this season."
Inter, AC Milan and Lyon will also have been alerted by Real's
clumsy handling of the contract issue.
But the most likely destination for Beckham remains Los Angeles
Galaxy. Football runs from April to October in the US, so it is
possible Beckham could leave Madrid in May and play for Galaxy for
most of the MLS season.
The idea of a move to California also appeals because of the
lifestyle it would allow his family and the proximity of his David
Beckham Academy, which was launched at the LA Galaxy stadium.
Beckham was bemused by news Mijatovic told Sky Italia that Madrid's
offer of a new two-year deal had been shelved. When Beckham's
representatives spoke to Mijatovic, he told them he had been
misquoted and had simply said no contract had been agreed
yet.
Real scored own goal ? 
