Un-Real Beckhams take Madrid by storm

Two actors posing as David Beckham and his wife Victoria caused a stir here Thursday, walking hand in hand through the streets of the Spanish capital posing for trigger-happy photographers.

The couple's appearance, coming just days after Real Madrid's point blank denial that they wanted to buy the Manchester United star, kept the local paparazzi busy.

The pair, reportedly put up for the stunt by the London Evening Standard newspaper, signed autographs for fans as they stood outside Real's Bernabeau Stadium.

Rumours that Beckham was on his way to Spain have been circulating for months and reached a crescendo when he was left on the bench for last week's second leg of the Champions League quarter-final between the two clubs.

Real were reportedly keen on Beckham because his iconic status in Asia could help lift their profile in the fastest growing market for footballing merchandise.

But the Spanish giants on Tuesday moved to end the speculation by issuing a statement on their website denying any bid was imminent.