Talks to get Beckham to NZ confirmed

Photo / Reuters

Wellington Phoenix has issued a statement confirming they are trying to lure David Beckham's club Los Angeles Galaxy to New Zealand.

"The club can confirm that it has expressed an interest in bringing the LA Galaxy to the capital for an exhibition match later this year.

" ... discussions with LA Galaxy management are at an early stage and Phoenix management, coaches and players have no further comment to make on the matter at this point."

If the game went ahead it would piggyback on the Galaxy's match against Sydney FC in Sydney on November 27 and would be played at Wellington's Westpac Trust Stadium.

The Dominion Post reported that the Phoenix and Sydney FC would each have to play about A$1 million ($1.15 million) for the Beckham show.

Whether the Wellington match goes ahead is expected to be announced at a press conference in the capital early next week.

Beckham signed a five-year, US$250 million ($348 million) deal this year that took him from Spain's Real Madrid to the Galaxy, who are now cashing in on their investment through exhibition matches around the globe.

He has struggled with an injured ankle since joining Galaxy.

- NZPA