Real Madrid clear favourites to land Beckham on the cheap

Real Madrid are favourites to land Manchester United midfielder David Beckham.

Despite Joan Laporta's victory in the Barcelona presidential race, the Guardian says United have conceded that Madrid is the most likely destination for Beckham.

Talks have reached an advanced stage between United and Real, with the deal now down to details about money and players who might be swapped by the Spanish club.

It is believed that Beckham has all but agreed personal terms with the club.

The three players United boss Sir Alex Ferguson covets are Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas, striker Javier Portillo and midfielder Claude Makelele.

But with Ferguson wanting an agreement struck before July 7, Real are in a position of strength.

While Barca are willing to offer £30 million cash for Beckham, plus bonuses, Real are unlikely to agree to a transfer worth more than £22 million, which will include players.

It is believed the subject of player exchanges was raised by the Real director Pedro Lopez at his meeting last Friday with United's David Gill in Sardinia - where CEO Peter Kenyon was on holiday.