David Beckham set for US return as owner of new MLS club

David Beckham has been tipped for a return to MLS as owner of a new club, following talks between his advisors and league executives.

The former England captain announced his retirement on Thursday, 20 years after signing his first professional contract, and has been tight-lipped about his future plans.

And while Beckham's contract with MLS, signed when he joined the L.A. Galaxy in 2007, included an option to purchase an 'expansion franchise', it has been revealed his advisors have been in talks with the league about possible locations for a new team.

"There have been discussions with his advisors, his management, preliminary discussions," MLS executive vice-president of communications, Dan Courtemanche said.

"It is one of many markets that has been mentioned, so have other markets."

MLS hopes to add a 20th club in New York City, with Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour reported as the likely buyer.

And Beckham's option, which would allow him to create a new franchise for a fee understood to be $25 million, rules out this location.

When the contractual opportunity to own an MLS team was first disclosed, in 2009, Beckham said: "It will happen eventually." And last year he stated: "I have the option of owning a franchise, and that excites me."

While MLS is currently focused on completing the deal for the New York City franchise, the talks with Beckham's faction are expected to continue.

"At some point in time he will exercise that option and we can go through the process of making sure it is the perfect fit for David and Major League Soccer but we are not there yet," said Courtemanche.