David Beckham
© AFP/File Giulio NapolitanoBARCELONA, Spain (AFP) - Former England star Beckham has still not thrashed out a long drawn out extension to his Real contract, which runs out in June, amid rumours he may opt to play out the remainder of his career in Major League Soccer in the United States.
With Real coach Fabio Capello restricting him to occasional substitute appearances in the league and in Europe - Beckham played the second half of Sunday's narrow win over Athletic Bilbao which took his club second in the table behind Barcelona - staying put looks an ever less attractive option.
According to Barcelona-based newspaper Sport, a move to Serie A would keep Beckham in the European limelight and also allow him to keep his full image rights, a half share of which are currently ceded to Real.
"I won't say where, but he could go to Italy," Sport quoted Italian agent Ernesto Bronzetti as saying.
According to Bronzetti, Beckham would see the rights issue as more than compensating for a potential dip in salary below the six million euros (8 million dollars) he currently earns with Real, where he has failed to win silverware since his 2003 move from Manchester United.
"In Madrid he shares his image rights, which is obligatory at a Spanish club. But in Italy he could retain them 100 percent," Sport quoted Bronzetti as saying.
Spanish media reports have suggested that the Real board have encouraged Capello to give Beckham more playing minutes.
Beckham was likely to feature in the club's Champions League final Group E match in Kiev on Wednesday, not least with Brazilian Emerson rested and Guti and Jose Antonio Reyes carrying knocks.
Reyes, on loan from Arsenal, is hoping to get over a thigh strain and is struggling to get fit for a weekend league visit to former club Seville.
Nine-times European champions Real have already reached the last 16 as runners-up to French side Lyon.
©AFP