Real Madrid may sell Beckham in January's transfer window

Real Madrid may sell former England captain David Beckham in January's transfer window.

The 31-year-old midfielder has been unable to earn a starting job for the Galacticos under new coach Fabio Capello.

And with Beckham refusing to sign a new contract at the Bernabeu until he is guaranteed a starting spot, the Spanish giants may unload him in January rather than have him leave next summer without compensation.

Real Madrid bought Beckham, one of the most popular players in the world, from Manchester United in 2003 and signed him to a four-year, $41 million contract.

But it seems likely that Beckham has no future with the team under Capello. Beckham has started just four games under the new regime and played only 13 minutes in last Sunday's victory over Barcelona.

Beckham has previously stated he is not interested in a return to England, but Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder admits he would be at the front of a bevy of clubs who would welcome him with open arms.

"I think a lot of clubs in the Premiership would like to have David Beckham," Roeder said. "I think if he came back, bearing in mind he said he will never play in the Premiership again, any team lucky enough to secure his services - their supporters will enjoy watching him play."

Beckham has been strongly linked with a possible move to Major League Soccer. But a return to England's top tier would arguably give his chances of a return to the national team under coach Steve McClaren a shot in the arm.