Any chance of Wanderers making an ambitious attempt to lure David Beckham to teh Reebok appear to have been dashed by the revelation that the former England captain is about to reopen talks over a new deal at Real Madrid.

Speculation has been rife that the 31-year-old will quit the Spanish giants this month after finding first-team opportunities hard to come by this season.

But, rather than fishing for a move, Beckham's spokesman, Simon Oliveira, has claimed discussions on a two-year extension to his current deal, which expires in June, will open next week.

"There is a significant deal on the table from Real," he said. "It's slightly more than he's on at the moment.

"They are the only club we are genuinely talking to at the moment and another meeting is scheduled for the second week of January."

He added: "David intends to play a major role for Real Madrid for the remainder of the season.

"He wants to take time over this decision. It will be the last significant deal of his football career.

"He will know by March what he is going to do."

Reports that off-the-field considerations could also play a major role in deciding Beckham's next move were also denied by Oliveira.

"The primary reason for any decision David makes will be a footballing one," he said.

"Decisions about his image rights and salary are obviously important, but they are not deal-breakers."