Manchester United and Real Madrid legend David Beckham is in advanced talks with backers over a new Miami-based MLS franchise.
The Daily Mail says Beckham had a clause in his original contract with LA Galaxy allowing him to buy an MLS club with a 25 per cent discount and has almost settled on Florida, where the MLS are keen to expand. He is expected to announce progress before Christmas once his co-investors are in place.
These could include Bolivia-born billionaire Marcelo Claure, who tried unsuccessfully to launch an MLS franchise in Florida in 2009 and joined Beckham in looking at potential stadiums in the Miami area last June.
Steve Ross, owner of the NFL's Miami Dolphins, may also get involved, while another multi-millionaire certain to be part of the consortium is Beckham's business partner Simon Fuller. The most likely home for the team is Florida International University's stadium in Miami.
