Real Madrid demand quick answer from Beckham

Real Madrid are demanding an answer from David Beckham before December 31 over whether he wants to sign a new contract.
 
Becks' current deal expires in June and he will be free to negotiate with rival clubs from January 1 should Real fail to get his signature on a piece of paper in the coming days.

Real coach Fabio Capello wants Beckham's contract renewed - as does president Ramon Calderon and his right-hand man Pedja Mijatovic. The club hopes Beckham will sign before December 31, with the players due back in Madrid on the 30th for training. Real's offer is for a two-year contract extension through to 2009 on the same ?4 million-a-year terms.

The stumbling block has nothing to do with money, but Beckham's demand that he play more regularly under Capello. The former England captain is seeking first team assurances before he commits to a new Real deal.