Beckham tops the speculation charts

But bigger transfer deals could well be on the way and few are attracting the kind of intense speculation as that generated in Britain by the possible Premier League return of Beckham.

The England captain’s high-profile move from Manchester United to Real for $40 million last year was heralded as a new lease of life. The move looked good for Beckham, whose relationship with United manager Alex Ferguson had soured, and for Real, who acquired the most marketable commodity in a global soccer business.

Chelsea, buoyed by the huge wealth of Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, are tipped as the most likely destination for the Londoner.

Beckham, who turns 29 on Sunday, could hardly return to United while Ferguson remains in charge and Beckham’s combined transfer fee and wage demands would be tough to swallow for the money men at champions Arsenal.

United’s Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has also been sufficiently drawn into the rumour mill for the club to issue a ‘hands-off’ warning to Barcelona and Real. ‘‘I have written to the clubs concerned and told them Ruud is not for sale,’’ United chief executive David Gill told MUTV.

Spain, where Real have also been linked with a bid for AS Roma playmaker Francesco Totti, and England are not the only major leagues facing transfer speculation. In Italy, France striker David Trezeguet is widely tipped to leave Juventus.

(Reuters)