Beckham to Play Down Under?

Reports in Australia suggest David Beckham may be planning to play for a football team Down Under.

The 37-year-old player would be the biggest signing ever for the Australian ‘A-league’.

The former Manchester United and England star will be out of contract with LA Galaxy from December 31, and a number of Australian news outlets are suggesting he could be planning a temporary move to the country.

According to The Australian newspaper, tentative moves have been made with Beckham's management but no deal has been done yet.

Reports suggest the star midfielder would play a 10-game stint, with several clubs hoping to attract him. The deal would still have to be ratified by the Football Federation Australia (FFA) and its new chief David Gallop.

Beckham has previously said that he won't be making any decisions on his future until Galaxy's season ends. The club is currently in finals and are likely to make the season finale on December 1.

Beckham has visited Australia a number of times with LA Galaxy, playing in friendlies against Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victoria and has never ruled out a move to the country.

During the visits he was mobbed by fans and created a huge buzz on and off the pitch.

During one visit he was interviewed by former Manchester United team mate turned Fox Sports’ pundit Mark Bosnich who asked him his thoughts on the A-League:

"The standard's similar to what it is in the US," Beckham said.

"The game's growing like it is in the US, and that's great to see.

"People all around the world are talking about (Major League Soccer and the A-League) now, and that's a sign of the growth in both countries."

Football in Australia is undergoing something of a resurgence at present with recent star recruits Alessandro Del Piero and Emile Heskey drawing record stadium crowds and tv audiences. Football is Australia’s number one participation sport but is far behind Aussie rules football and rugby league as a spectator sport.

Beckham recently said he had no intention of retiring from the game just yet:

"If I continue to feel like I do right now, I'll continue to play," he said.

"I don't feel 36 years old when I'm out there. I still love training, I still love playing.

"So I want to continue until I feel differently. I love the game. Until that stops, I want to play as long as I can."