Beckham could learn from Spanish game - Roberto Carlos

David Beckham could learn a lot from Spanish soccer if the Manchester United midfielder joined Real Madrid, according to Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos.

"He's already considered one of the best players in the world," Real's Brazilian World Cup winner told Spanish state television on Friday.

"But he could learn a great deal from Spanish football, not just from Real Madrid."

"I'm sure that if he has been made an offer by Real Madrid it will have put a big smile on his face and that is hardly surprising."

Roberto Carlos, who has won three European Cups since joining Real from Inter Milan in 1996, said Real president Florentino Perez's policy of signing the world's top players had made it possible for the club to sign the England skipper.

"What our president has done by buying Figo, Zidane and Ronaldo is to open the door to great players and it is hardly surprising that they are keen to come."

United manager Alex Ferguson's decision to leave Beckham on the bench for much of his side's Champions League quarter-final, second leg against Real on Wednesday has fuelled speculation that the 27-year-old midfielder may be on his way out of Old Trafford.

Beckham scored twice after coming on midway through the second half to help United to a 4-3 victory on the night, but it was not enough to prevent United from slipping to a 6-5 aggregate defeat against the reigning European champions.

Real have denied they have made a move for Beckham, but the speculation linking the player with the club is similar to that which preceded the arrival of Zidane and Ronaldo.