Real Madrid president wants Beckham to go public

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez wants a public declaration from David Beckham of his wish to join the Spanish giants.

Perez plans to complete a deal for Beckham in time for him to take the field in Real's preseason match in Tokyo on August 5.

But he is insisting that Beckham declare publicly his desire to join Real, particularly after Manchester United confirmed they had accepted an offer from Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta for the England skipper.

Real are willing to make a cash offer of £17 million, plus two players, for the United midfielder.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out a move for Claude Makelele because of the player's age, but will be keen to bring Geremi to Old Trafford.

Perez is determined to have Beckham in his stable ahead of the club's Asian tour.

Real's plans to crack the Asian market were outlined by former star striker and now director Emilio Butragueno yesterday: "We are delighted to be playing Tokiota FC in Tokyo on August 5 and we will include all our 'famous' players in that game."

"This is really important for Madrid, because it is the start of a long-planned strategy to increase our impact in Japan."

"We have many fans there and we want to create a permanent link."