Chelsea watch as Real Madrid hand Beckham break

Real Madrid are doing all they can to avoid having to field a transfer request from David Beckham.

The Sun says Real fear the England captain, 28, could be forced to call a halt to his career in Spain and return home for the sake of his marriage.

Real are prepared to give Beckham compassionate leave to sort out his personal problems, but know that Chelsea are waiting in the wings ready to offer the ex-Manchester United man a return to England.

Becks was in the French Alps yesterday to see Victoria and their two sons, Brooklyn and Romeo, while Real prepared for tonight's Champions League clash in Monaco.