Monaco confirm Beckham interest

AS Monaco are interested in signing former England captain David Beckham, the second-tier French club's chief executive Tor-Kristian Karlsen told local media on Friday. "Our team is very young. If we're lucky enough to attract a player to Monaco with such charisma, such a competitive spirit and who is physically in form it would be terrific," Karlsen told the daily Parisien/Aujourd'hui newspaper. The Norwegian also told sports daily l'Equipe: "We have a very young team who could benefit from a player of his (Beckham's) stature, experience and personality. "But there is obviously a lot of interest from clubs from around the world in such an illustrious player. Now we're an ambitious club and when a player of this stature becomes available, it's normal that we are on the alert." Beckham's six-year playing career with Major League Soccer will end with his final game for the Los Angeles Galaxy against Houston this weekend after he announced he was looking forward to "one more challenge" outside of the MLS. The 115-times capped England player is expected to make a decision on where he will end up playing next by the end of the year. Sources close to the player have confirmed an approach by Monaco. Beckham has also been linked with a possible move to Ligue 1 high-flyers Paris Saint-Germain where he would team up again with Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti and team director Leonardo, whom he knows from his two previous loan stints with AC Milan. There have also been offers from China, Russia and Brazil for the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player, who has not ruled out a return to England. "I've always said I think I would struggle to come back and play in England because I've played for the biggest club in the world, the biggest club in England, Manchester United, and I couldn't see myself playing for any other Premiership team," he told Sky Sports News on Wednesday. "But you never know. Like I said, we've got some exciting options on the table. I do think we'll be spending a little more time in England because it's good for the kids to see their grandparents." Since their relegation from the top flight in 2010, Monaco have been taken over by billionaire Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev, who has ambitions to return the club to the top flight and Champions League football. The Riviera side are currently top of Ligue 2.