David Beckham has asked Los Angeles Galaxy if he can make an offseason loan move, with Tottenham Hotspur waiting on the verdict.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said at the weekend he was keen to bring the former England captain to London and on Monday Beckham's spokesman said the player had asked his club for permission to make a loan move, though not necessarily to Spurs.
"At the moment we are waiting on the decision of LA Galaxy with regards to a loan move," the spokesman said in a statement. "The loan would be a short one until the start of the MLS (Major League Soccer) season (on March 15).
"David would then return and play a full season with the Galaxy. Tottenham are one of many clubs who are interested but as yet we have not got into any detailed conversations as we are waiting on LA Galaxy's decision.
"The loan is part of David's desire to keep fit and make himself available for England again," added the spokesman.
MLS offseason
Beckham played on loan at AC Milan during the MLS offseason in 2009 and 2010.
The 35-year-old midfielder said in October he would not go out on loan again after missing last year's World Cup in South Africa with an Achilles injury picked up while playing for Milan, which faces Spurs in the Champions League first knockout round next month.
Londoner Beckham, who has 115 England caps, has already turned down the opportunity to join Everton on loan and Galaxy could also be reluctant to let him go after last season's injury.
Meanwhile, Sampdoria boosted its scant striking options on Monday by signing Italy under-21 forward Federico Macheda on loan from Manchester United for the rest of the season.
Sampdoria has been badly short of firepower since Antonio Cassano, whose move to Milan was officially registered with Serie A on Monday, was suspended in October for verbally abusing club president Riccardo Garrone.
"Macheda has easily filled the void left by Cassano, he will definitely do well," Garrone told reporters.