LeBron James And David Beckham 'In Miami Talks'

Basketball star LeBron James has confirmed he has held talks with David Beckham about bringing a soccer team to Miami.

James confirmed he could partner the former England captain, who has the option to buy an MLS franchise for $25m (£15.5m) and has targeted Miami as the location.

The four-times NBA Most Valuable Player confirmed rumours that talks had taken place after a practice session in Florida.

He said: "There's some interest on both sides. David has become a good friend of mine over the last few years and I think it would be great for this city to have a football club for sure.

"The research is still being made out, but I think it can be huge, but you never know.

"I think this is a great town for soccer. There are a lot of soccer players here. There is a lot of great youth soccer here.

"I have grown a great interest in watching the game and learning the guys.

"It's a pretty intense sport, and my kids love it as well. But I've grown to the point where I know exactly what's going on when I'm watching the game."

Sky News reported in October that Beckham, 38, had chosen Miami as his preferred location for the MLS team he hopes to own.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder had a clause inserted into his first Los Angeles Galaxy contract in 2007, giving him the right to start an expansion franchise for a set price.

Beckham - who called time on his playing career this year - scouted Miami locations for at least the second time last week and is looking for investors.

The overall start-up costs would far exceed the $25m price when costs such as stadium construction and player recruitment are taken into account.

James, 28, already owns a stake in five-time European Cup winners Liverpool FC as part of a management deal signed with the club's parent company Fenway Sports Group in 2011.

Beckham created a buzz last season when he sat courtside for some Heat games, and was pictured shaking hands with James.

The MLS currently consists of 19 teams, but there are hopes that will increase to 24 by 2020.

South Florida has had an MLS team in the past - the Miami Fusion, who played in Fort Lauderdale from 1998.

But the team were shut down because of poor attendance in 2001.