Stay with us: Real to Beckham

Ex-England captain has said he wants to stay with the Spanish team after his contract expires at the end of season.

Real Madrid is hoping to talk to David Beckham about a contract extension.

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The former England captain has said he wants to stay with the Spanish team after his contract expires at the end of the season, and Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon also wants to sit down with the player.

"The intention from the club is to sit down and discuss a new deal," Beckham spokesman Simon Olivera said. "Nothing's been discussed yet."

Real Madrid - which has not won a trophy in three years - wants to keep Beckham mainly for his athletic value, not his marketing allure, Calderon said.

"Of course the criteia were based on sports. Marketing issues are important but in this Real adrid sports aspects take priority," Calderon said late Sunday.

Beckham joined Real Madrid in 2003 from Manchester United.

He played in Real Madrid's 0-0 draw with visiting Villarreal on Sunday in its first match of the Spanish league season. Beckham was replaced by Robinho in the 75th minute.

Beckham captained England at the World Cup in Germany but was dropped from the team after the tournament by new coach Steve McCaren.