• MLS

Beckham linked to Cosmos move

ESPN staff
November 24, 2012
David Beckham is set to leave LA Galaxy © Getty Images
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David Beckham has been offered a golden chance to reunite with his old Manchester United team-mate Eric Cantona as a player and joint-owner of the New York Cosmos, according a report in Irish Sunday World newspaper.

The team that famously signed Brazilian legend Pele and German giant Franz Beckenbauer in the 1970s before folding in 1984 have been reborn and are bidding to join America's MLS in the near future.

French icon Cantona was appointed director of soccer in January at a side revived by Beckham's long-time personal manager and business adviser Terry Byrne. Now the ambitious club are planning their most audacious signing yet.

Byrne, who jointly bought the Cosmos name with British property developer Paul Kemsley three years ago, has since sold his stake along with Kemsley. However, the current hierarchy at the club are still believed to be keen to bring the 37-year-old Beckham to Cosmos as both a board member and star player, with the combination hugely attractive for American soccer chiefs who will be asked to consider granting the rebuilt club an MLS licence.

A senior Cosmos source has confirmed to the Sunday World that discussions are underway with Beckham and his advisers and said: "David has confirmed his interest and we expect an announcement before Christmas."

Beckham hinted in his statement confirming he will leave LA Galaxy after next weekend's MLS Cup final that he would be interested in staying involved in American soccer after his six-year stint in California, with this development set to frustrate his potential suitors in Paris, Australia and the English Premier League.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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