Manchester City are reportedly in pole position for the signature of former England captain David Beckham ever since the AC Milan and Los Angeles Galaxy player expressed an interest in returning to the Premier League. David Pullen, brand and marketing director at Manchester City, remained non-committal when asked how move for Beckham would develop the City brand.

"I cannot comment on specific players, but what I can say is that Mark Hughes has developed a positive strategy and has secured some great transfers, and is continuing his work with the owners in order to secure many more exciting signings," Pullen told Goal.com.

"The owners are working hard to increase our world-wide fan base by bringing in some world class players.

"We have a strategic plan and we want to target certain markets, first in Arabic and English and by the end of the year, in three or four other languages."