ALTERNATIVE

Moving to any other Spanish club is almost certainly out of the question, but Italy could offer a realistic alternative.

Inter Milan have signed up a succession of Real Madrid cast-offs in recent years and with the likely departure of Luis Figo there will be a vacant spot on the right side of midfield.

Wife Victoria may also find the catwalks of Italy's fashion capital an irresistible prospect, although if their Spanish experience is anything to go by the couple may not relish the prospect of grappling with another new language and culture.

The Far and Middle East will have no problem matching Beckham's salary expectations, while his presence in Asia could be enough to see him recapture marketing supremacy from Ronaldinho.

But neither region is likely to provide the sort of sporting challenge that Beckham will be after in the final years of his career.

The remaining, and perhaps most attractive, option, then, is the United States.

The MLS's decision to end their salary cap has opened the door to big earners like Beckham, while LA Galaxy have already thrown their hat into the ring by stating their interest in the midfielder.

Greats such as Pele, George Best, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff and Bobby Moore all ended their careers in America, but their presence did little to change the country's status as a footballing backwater.

Beckham may feel it is still too early for a move across the Atlantic, but becoming the first player to really crack the American market could provide just the sort of challenge to inspire him in the final years of his career.

1

2