Becks cameo still up in air

A host of clubs may be queuing up to offer David Beckham a route back to the Barclays Premier League, but it remains to be seen whether the Los Angeles Galaxy will allow their star man to go out on loan.

The 35-year-old former England captain spent the last two Major League Soccer close seasons on loan at AC Milan – and is said to be keen to return to Europe in order to prove to England manager Fabio Capello he deserves a recall to the national side.

Tottenham are leading the chase for Beckham, with Newcastle and Blackburn also expressing an interest.

However, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp fears the Galaxy may not sanction the move soon enough to make it a viable option.

Former US international Alexi Lalas was the Galaxy’s general manager when Beckham moved there, and feels another switch back to Europe may not be well received.

“American soccer fans say David Beckham has given a lot, but he’s also taken a tremendous amount out of Major League Soccer,” Lalas told BBC Radio Five Live.

“The reason David Beckham went over to Milan was to prepare, in theory for the [2010] World Cup.

“I think that was commendable and understandable to a certain extent, but now it is happening once again.”

Were Beckham’s loan move to be sanctioned by Los Angeles, Spurs would seem to be at the head of the queue.

However, the veteran midfielder – eligible for the Champions League – would have to return to the US ahead of the new MLS campaign, which starts for the Galaxy against Seattle Sounders on March 15.

Redknapp admits time is of the essence.

“I haven’t heard anything for a few days. I was looking at (signing him for) at least three months really,” the Spurs boss said.

“If it is a very a short-term thing it can be a problem, as much as I would like him and I am a great fan of his.

“He would be great to have around the place. As a player, as a person and as a professional he is top class. He’d be a great role model for the young players.

“If we are only talking eight or nine games by the time we get him ready, it is a difficult one. I would have to look at that carefully.

“I can’t suddenly be leaving people out and then after a few games David goes back and I have to mess about with the team again.

“It would be a difficult one if it is that short a period. We will have to wait until we get all those answers (from the Galaxy) and look at it then.”

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti worked with Beckham at AC Milan, but will not be looking to renew their acquaintance in January.

“When he came to Milan he was not young. He came from the American league and it is not a league with fantastic football, but he gave fantastic support,” the Italian said.

“Beckham is a professional player, it is easy to manage him. Every time he does total support for the team. He is an unselfish player.

“I was happy to manage him for six months because he is a fantastic player and a good man.”

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder trained at Arsenal’s Hertfordshire complex to keep himself fit during January 2008.

While Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has also ruled out any move for Beckham, he believes the veteran midfielder would be a welcome addition to the English domestic game.

“You don’t need to speak about his talent or his professional attitude because that was absolutely fantastic,” he said.

“I am not a great believer that a guy should go out on a high. If he feels like that, yes. If you love to play, you play as long as you can.

“That is the advice I give to any single player because after that life is still a long way to go and you can do so many different things, but you cannot play anymore.”