Beckham said to be close to film deal

David Beckham is said to be on the verge of landing a role in a major football film.

Goal! will be the first instalment in a football trilogy that has American backing.

The Guardian quotes a source close to the production team as saying they are close to a deal with Beckham.

Oscar winner Lawrence Bender will produce the films with Mike Jefferies and Matt Barrelle. Jefferies pitches the film as "Rocky meets 8 Mile."

The script for the first episode sees a young Latino from Los Angeles coming to prove himself in the Premiership. The only location problem for the producers lies in deciding which club to use as a setting.

Manchester United and Chelsea have taken a keen interest, but the frontrunners remain Newcastle United. Chairman Freddy Shepherd flew to Los Angeles for discussions in the summer.