Real chief wants Beckham to stay

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LONDON, England -- Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon wants U.S. bound David Beckham to stay with the Spanish giants as they contemplate a first Primera Liga success in four years.

Calderon told Spanish newspaper Marca: "We need to sit down with him (Beckham), his representatives and with (Real Madrid sporting director Predrag) Mijatovic, look at this clause, and decide between us, but for me I would be delighted if he remained at the club.

"There was a bit of anger by the premature announcement of his exit, but we are now going to make an effort for him to stay."

However, later on Sunday a spokesman for Beckham denied that there was any chance of the player staying in Madrid.

Beckham's spokesman told the Press Association: "There is no intention of getting out of the Galaxy contract. David is looking forward to going to LA - but he wants to end his career at Real Madrid on a high note first, by winning the league."

A Los Angeles Galaxy spokesman was unaware of the claims. "I don't know anything about it, and won't have anything for you today," he said.

Beckham was told he had played his last game for Madrid by coach Fabio Capello when he agreed to join the Major League Soccer side in January.

But since being restored to the side he has been instrumental in their late title charge, with a victory over Real Mallorca next weekend now all that stands between them and the Primera Liga crown.

The midfielder, who suffered an ankle injury on duty for England against Estonia, played despite being in pain in yesterday's 2-2 draw with Real Zaragoza.

Calderon paid tribute to the former Manchester United midfielder's courage and spoke of his desire for him to remain with the club.

"Beckham has shown that he is a great player, with great pride," he added. "He is playing at a great level and yesterday he fought even though he was half injured against Zaragoza.

"The Madrid supporters love him, and for me I would like him to remain in the team."

Beckham has recently been recalled by England and played a key role in a 1-1 draw in a friendly with Brazil then created two goals in the 3-0 win in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia last week.

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