Real Madrid waiting for answer from Beckham

Dec 27, 2006, 11:04 GMT

Madrid - Real Madrid are waiting for an answer from David Beckham, to their offer of a contract extension until June 2009, local media reported Wednesday.

According to the digital version of sports daily AS, Real have given the former England captain until December 31 to respond to their offer.

Beckham's present Real contract expires in June 2007. Therefore, according to FIFA rules, if he decides not to extend it, he may negotiate with other clubs from 1 January on.

According to AS, Real are hoping that Beckham reflects upon the situation before the squad reports again for training on December 30.

Real president Ramon Calderon said many times in the autumn that he wanted to extend Beckham's contract. AS claims that coach Fabio Capello now also wants Beckham to stay on, after making him first choice in Real's last three games.

Calderon's has offered to continue paying the Englishman around six million euros per year, money which Real more than recuperate with the sale of Beckham replica shirts and other merchandising.

Beckham, 31, is desperate to finally win a trophy with Real. He remains the only foreigner in the club's proud history never to win either the Spanish cup or league - or the Champions League.

But AS also claims that he is being tempted by several clubs in different countries, particularly in the United States.