David Beckham has been linked with a move to Australia after the former England captain announced that he would be leaving Los Angeles Galaxy next month.
Australia media reports said at least four teams have expressed an interest in Beckham, who will end six years in Major League Soccer after the MLS Cup final on December 1.
Melbourne Heart chief executive Scott Munn told BBC Sport the club was in talks with Beckham over a “10-game stint” in Australia.
“We are incredibly serious and working tirelessly with David’s representatives to table a compelling offer which is commensurate with the international player that David is,” Munn said.
“We’re taking to David about a 10-game stint. Football is the third code behind Australian Rules football and rugby league - we think David takes it to the next level.” Perth Glory owner Tony Sage had already said the club had “put its hat in the ring” to sign 37-year-old Beckham.
After Beckham’s announcement on Monday, the club said on Twitter, “David Beckham has confirmed the MLS Cup final will be his last game for the Galaxy. The race is on.” The interest comes despite Beckham’s representative saying last week the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player has “no plans” to play in Australia’s A-League.
That statement came after Football Federation of Australia (FFA) had said it had been approached by the LA Galaxy midfielder’s management over a possible short-term move to Australia.
In announcing his farewell, Beckham said in a statement, “I’ve had an incredibly special time playing for the LA Galaxy, however, I wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career.
“I don’t see this as the end of my relationship with the league as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future.” In his six seasons with the Galaxy, Beckham appeared in 98 games, scoring 18 goals. He twice moved on loan to AC Milan during the MLS league break. During his second loan spell he tore an Achilles tendon which sidelined him for much of the following MLS season.
