Madrid need Beckham decision

Real Madrid sporting director Pedja Mijatovic has warned David Beckham that the Spanish giants want to sort out his contract by next week.

Beckham’s existing deal at Real is due to expire in June and the former England captain has been free to negotiate with other clubs since the start of January.

The 31-year-old has found his opportunities limited at the Bernabeu this season under coach Fabio Capello, but Real are nevertheless keen to retain his services.

Mijatovic told www.realmadrid.com: “Several months ago we presented an offer to renew his contract due to his importance not only from a sporting sense but from an image one.

“He wanted some time to think about it but we are in a situation where we lack time and we have to react now. Next week we will deal with this matter.”

Meanwhile, the futures of several established Real stars have been called into question of late, with the club struggling on the pitch after three defeats in four and the arrivals of youngsters Fernando Gago, Gonzalo Higuain and Marcelo in the transfer window.

But Mijatovic has ruled out the possibility of wholesale departures from Madrid.

“Officially, there’s no player that we have put on the market to be sold,” he added.