Ipswich dismiss Beckham link

IPSWICH maintain there has been “no approach” from David Beckham’s camp for the ex-England captain to train with them during Los Angeles Galaxy’s close season.

The 32-year-old saw his club campaign come to an early end on Sunday as Galaxy failed to make the Major League Soccer play-offs.

Beckham is determined to keep fit “no matter what” as the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder faces up to five months without competitive club football before MLS resumes next April.

Reports have suggested Beckham is likely to seek out facilities close to his Hertfordshire home in England.

Ipswich boss Jim Magilton speaks regularly with Galaxy coach Frank Yallop and it had been suggested the club were ready to roll out the red carpet for the former national team skipper.

Other options would include Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham and Chelsea.

However, a spokesman for the Coca-Cola Championship side has played down suggestions Beckham would soon be making the most of their facilities.

“Manager Jim Magilton was asked by the media two months ago if he would welcome Beckham to the club. Of course he would but there have been no talks or any approaches made,” an Ipswich spokesman said.

Beckham has been hampered by injury since his arrival in the United States, which ruled him out of contention for England’s Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Israel.

However, the midfielder could well be in line for a recall in time for the crunch clash with Croatia on November 21.

LA Galaxy play two friendlies before then – against Vancouver Whitecaps on November 7 and Minnesota Thunder on November 11.