Real Madrid's Beckham set for Hollywood breakthrough

England skipper David Beckham is set for a role in the remake of the Pink Panther.

It would be the first feature film performance for Beckham, who is in talks with MGM about appearing in the much-anticipated production.

The movie's plot centres on an investigation into the murder of a football manager and the theft of one of the celebrated eponymous diamonds. Kevin Kline, Beyonce and Jean Reno also star and the project is due to start filming in May for release in July 2005.

Real Madrid midfielder Beckham would play the role of a star footballer.