Galaxy hold key to Beckham loan hopes

Los Angeles Galaxy hold the key as to whether David Beckham will be returning to play in the Premier League.

The prospect of the former England captain coming home was brought into sharper focus yesterday when Harry Redknapp confirmed he wanted to bring Beckham to Tottenham on loan.

It is understood Beckham himself decided over the Christmas period he wished to go out on loan in order to maintain his fitness.

The decision lies with the American club and whether they will grant him permission to go out on a short-term loan which will take in the MLS off-season and up to mid to late March.

Last season, Beckham was returned injured to Los Angeles by AC Milan after tearing his Achilles tendon in March, an injury which ruled him out of the World Cup as well as much of the MLS campaign.

Should they decide to grant Beckham permission, discussions will then commence with interested parties with clubs in both the Premier League and Europe hoping to entice the 35-year-old for a spell.

While Tottenham are not the only interested party, manager Redknapp has been the most vocal about the prospect of luring Beckham to White Hart Lane.

Redknapp, though, was adamant the move would not be financially motivated by either player or club, saying yesterday: “He wouldn’t be coming here just to sell shirts. In the short term, he’s not going to sell a load of shirts.”

Redknapp added: “He isn’t going to come here and get big money – we aren’t massive payers at this club.

“He has probably got a fantastic house with a pool and he could sit out there every day and enjoy his life for a few months before he starts with LA Galaxy again.

“But he wants to come over here to the freezing cold and play football.

“Doesn’t that tell you something about the boy that he lives in Los Angeles and he might be a billionaire?

“I’ve heard stories about how much he earns, it is just incredible, mind-blowing.

“He could buy any football club in this country if he wanted to.

“He is not going to do it for the money is he? That tells you everything about him.”

Redknapp also shrugged off concerns about the media circus the former England captain’s homecoming would spark, saying: “I don’t think it would be a distraction. Once you’re in here, the gates are shut.”

Redknapp hoped to exploit Beckham’s connection to east London, where he was born and raised.

“He is a local boy isn’t he? Leytonstone,” said the Spurs boss of the man who received a lifetime achievement award at this month’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

“The reception he got was incredible.”

Revealing he would play Beckham on the wing, Redknapp insisted the veteran midfielder would have to “fight for his place” at White Hart Lane.

“I’m not say he’s going to come in and take (Aaron) Lennon’s place but he would be a good option,” he added.

“I am sure Aaron would love to work with him, on his crossing and everything, and on his final ball.

“He’d be a good influence around the place."