Spurs waiting on Beckham

Tottenham are understood to head a long list of clubs wishing to sign David Beckham, but any deal will only be a short-term one.

Any attempt to bring the former England captain to White Hart Lane will only be on a temporary basis, a spokesman for the star has insisted.

The north London club are waiting this evening to see if Beckham's parent club, LA Galaxy, will grant them permission to speak to the 35-year-old over a three-month loan deal which would run until the start of the new MLS season in March....

Beckham, who spent the last two close seasons on loan at AC Milan, is keen to return to Europe in order to prove to England manager Fabio Capello that he deserves a recall to the national side.

Newcastle, Blackburn and a host of clubs from across Europe are interested in the former Manchester United midfielder but Press Association Sport understands that Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is leading the chase for his signature.

After Saturday's 1-0 win over Fulham, Redknapp refused to rule out the possibility of making the loan move permanent, but a spokesman for the midfielder denied that would be possible today, insisting that any deal to bring the star back to his home city would be a short-term move only.

"At the moment we are waiting on the decision of LA Galaxy with regards to a loan move," the spokesman explained.

"The loan would be a short one until the start of the MLS season. David would then return and play a full season with the Galaxy.

"Tottenham are one of many clubs who are interested but as yet we have not got

into any detailed conversations as we are waiting on LA Galaxy's decision."

A decision is expected from the Galaxy early this week about whether to sanction a loan deal for their star player, who picked up injuries during his spells with Milan.

The success of any negotiations to bring Beckham to White Hart Lane are likely to hinge on who will pay the midfielder's wages, although any move to north London would give Spurs' merchandise sales a massive boost given the star's global iconic appeal.

Redknapp revealed yesterday Beckham singled out Spurs as the club he wanted to join after the player had a conversation with the Tottenham boss' son, Jamie, about the possibility of a move.

Beckham is thought to like Spurs' attacking style but former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp said yesterday he thought a deal was unlikely.

"I don't think it will happen," the 37-year-old told Sky Sports.

"Dad likes him but I don't think it will happen. There are too many obstacles."

Should Beckham complete his move back to London, his first match could be against on January 16 against Manchester United - the only team which Beckham had previously said he would return to England for.

Of further interest to the 115-cap man will be Spurs' Champions League last-16 tie against former employers Milan, whom Tottenham face at the San Siro on February 15 with the return leg on March 9 - six days before the start of the new MLS season.

Redknapp has insisted that he is only interested in signing Beckham in order to help improve the squad's chances of pushing for the Barclays Premier League title, and not for commercial gain.

Beckham would have to fight for his place on the right with current occupant Aaron Lennon, who is enjoying a fine season with the Londoners.

Beckham's arrival could signal the end of David Bentley's two-and-half-year spell at White Hart Lane, with Redknapp revealing the former Blackburn winger wants to leave the club after making just three appearances so far this year.

"David (Bentley) did well at the end of last season but he wants to play," said Redknapp.

"It's difficult. He's not happy because he's not playing and I understand that.

"I wouldn't want him to sit there and say 'I'll take my wages'. He needs to play somewhere and there are a few clubs that want him."