MADRID, Aug 17 - Real Madrid are close to agreeing
a deal to extend David Beckham's contract beyond the end of the
season, club president Ramon Calderon said.
"We have spoken with his agent and we are agreed that we
should extend his contract," the Real supremo told Spanish
sports daily AS on Thursday.
"Beckham has told me that he is happy in Madrid, that his
children are happy, that Brooklyn speaks Spanish.... He is
delighted with things and for Madrid he is a vital player for
his contribution on the pitch and for what he represents."
Beckham joined Real Madrid on a four-year contract from
Manchester United in 2003, but has yet to win a major trophy at
the club. Spanish media have reported that Real want to extend
his contract until 2009.
The midfielder arrived late for Real Madrid training on
Wednesday after his flight from England was delayed and new
coach Fabio Capello hinted that he would be sanctioned by the
club.
"It is an internal matter, but the rules are the same for
everyone," the Italian told a news conference on Thursday.
The 31-year-old Beckham resigned the captaincy of England
after the World Cup and was dropped by new coach Steve McClaren
for Wednesday's friendly against Greece.