David Beckham reportedly nears plan for MLS expansion team in Miami

Former soccer superstar David Beckham reportedly is nearing plans to own a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami.

Beckham and his investment group exercised an option to buy an MLS franchise and plan to have the team play in Miami, contingent on securing a privately funded stadium, the Miami Herald reported Monday.

Beckham and MLS Commissioner Don Garber were scheduled to be in Miami on Tuesday and Wednesday to drum up support for the team.

The two also were scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday with Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez to “make a significant announcement impacting the Miami community,” MLSSoccer.com reported.

MLS has not yet awarded Miami a team because a stadium plan is still pending, but the Beckham-led team likely would begin play in the 2017 season if not in 2016, the Miami Herald reported.

MLS recently announced plans to return to Florida, saying in November that the Orlando City Soccer Club would become the league’s 21st franchise and start play next year.

Beckham, 38, the former captain of England’s national team who also played for the Galaxy from 2007 through 2012, retired last May after a stint with Paris St.-Germain of France.