Beckham's wife Victoria has refused to set up home in Madrid despite the England captain's alleged affairs and the Daily Telegraph reported Beckham's major sponsors, who arrange long-range marketing strategies around the player, were discussing a move to London.

Family sources told the Telegraph it was a "certainty" the player would be back in London in the summer.

Real Madrid, unhappy with the disruptive effect of having the world's most famous player on their books, have banned British newspaper reporters in an attempt to protect their galaticos.

And an opponent to Real president Florentino Perez in the club elections has already said he would sell Beckahm if he takes over at the club.

Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri told an Italian newspaper in mid-week his club were chasing both Beckham and Real team-mate Ronaldo.

And Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would be reluctant to spend all his transfer money on one player who might not fit in with his established team of stars.

A return to Old Trafford is unlikely as long as Alex Ferguson is manager.

Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich has already splashed out 140 million pounds on players and would not shirk at paying top dollar for Beckham.