David Beckham is now unlikely to play for Tottenham Hotspur where he is currently training and will return to the LA Galaxy in mid-February. However in the summer his representatives plan to negotiate a permanent move for the 35-year-old away from America and back to European club football.

A friend of the midfielder told the Guardian: "It now seems almost definite that David will not play for Spurs but he is still training, which was always the plan, and he will be back with the Galaxy by the middle of February.

"In the summer when he has only six months left on his contract and is effectively a free agent, [his agents] will sit down and negotiate for him to make a move. There are a number of options and interested clubs. David still believes he has a lot to offer at the highest level."

It is understood Beckham's preferred choice would be a Premier League club that will compete in next season's Champions League. With ambitions still to play for England, Beckham understands he must be performing regularly for as high a ranking club as possible.