Tottenham Hotspur shows interest in David Beckham
David Beckham could be on the move again.
Tottenham Hotspur, in fourth place in the English Premier League and in the final 16 of the European Champions League, was waiting to hear Monday whether the Galaxy would agree to loan the 35-year-old to Spurs for 2 1/2 months.
In Los Angeles, meanwhile, the Galaxy, which begins training at the end of January ahead of its Major League Soccer opener on March 15, declined to comment.
But in London, Tottenham Coach Harry Redknapp made it clear that the two clubs were talking to each other about a possible Beckham move. “I’m sure he can still do a great job at the top level, otherwise I wouldn’t bother,” Redknapp said.
A spokesman for Beckham, who is in London, said the ball was in Los Angeles’ court.
“At the moment we are waiting on the decision of the Galaxy,” he said. “The loan would be a short one until the start of the MLS season. David would return and play a full season with the Galaxy.”
Two other Premier League teams, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, have also expressed interest in taking Beckham on loan, but high-flying Spurs would be the player’s choice.
Tottenham was also the club where Beckham started training as a boy before joining Manchester United. In December, Beckham said he could not see himself playing for any Premier League side other than Manchester United, but the club’s coach, Sir Alex Ferguson, quickly vetoed such a move.
Now, Beckham is looking elsewhere.
“David fancies it,” Redknapp said. “He’s a fantastic … role model in the way he conducts himself and plays. He’d be a great influence on the younger players.”
With Spurs enjoying one of the club’s best seasons in years, Beckham would be little more than a role player, adding depth to an already talent-laden midfield. England national team winger Aaron Lennon is the starter in Beckham’s preferred position on the right wing.
But it appeared to be the Galaxy’s call whether Beckham would be free to go. In December, Bruce Arena, the Galaxy’s coach and general manager, said he expected Beckham back for the start of preseason training.
Beckham, who spent the last two MLS off-seasons on loan with AC Milan in Italy, believes he could revive his national team career were he to play in England, even briefly.
