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David Beckham’s American dream of owning a football club is hanging by a thread.

Since announcing in 2014 that he would take Major League Soccer's offer of a heavily

discounted franchise – part of his deal when he signed for LA Galaxy – getting Miami Beckham United off the ground has been a nightmare.

The latest ­stumbling block involved a ­lawsuit over the three acres of land Beckham bought for a 25,000-capacity ­stadium.

A proposed venue in the Overtown area of the city has been ­approved at the fourth time of asking.

But Bruce Matheson, who owns property near the planned stadium, sued Miami-Dade County.

(Image: Getty)

The multi-millionaire ­activist claimed that Miami-Dade should have given him a chance to buy the land, which was sold to Becks for £6.5million in a no-bid deal.

The judge threw out Matheson’s claim in October, but he appealed and the hearing is expected in June.

Only the determination of former England skipper Becks and the patience of the MLS and its commissioner Don Garber mean that Miami Beckham United remains more than just a dream.

Beckham insists that the easy part of being a US club owner will be bringing in a top coach and well-known players. He said: “Great players want to come here. I’ve had top ­players calling me. Miami is a vibrant city with a lot of passion.”

(Image: Miami’s Arquitectonica and 360 Architecture)

But when it will be up and running is anyone’s guess – and Beckham’s wriggle room is tighter.

The extra places, as the MLS looks to expand to its optimum 28 clubs, are running out with Los Angeles FC and Nashville the latest to leapfrog ­Beckham’s Miami project.

Sports executive Tim Leiweke, who has been with Beckham all the way, said any more delays and Miami Beckham United could be no more.

He admitted: “I hope it gets done, but it’s not done. I have my fears as to whether it gets done.”

Garber is anxious for the club to be given the green light, having pushed the deadlines further back to give Becks and his backers, who include ex-Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller, every chance to fulfil their ­ambitions which could eventually cost £225m.

(Image: AFP/Getty)

Garber said: “A guy like David would be a fantastic owner. He’s a bright guy, ­committed to our country, our league and Miami. If we can get it closed, then it will be a great success.”

Even without more hiccups a new stadium will not be ready until 2021 – so Beckham must secure a temporary home with 2020 now his more likely first MLS season.

PASSING THE MLS TEST

David Beckham must jump through several MLS hoops if his club is to be awarded its franchise in 2020.

* Owners are committed to MLS and have the financial backing, which Becks does with the likes of Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller among his many backers.

* Size of the market for it in the city and local fan base. Miami has tried to launch an MLS club since 2008, but failed. Miami already has an American football team (Dolphins), basketball side (Heat), baseball team (Marlins) and ice-hockey club (Florida Panthers).

* A stadium – or approved plan for a soccer-specific one – must be in place to allow clubs to control their revenue. Becks has spent £6.5m on the land for a stadium, but won’t start building until MLS approval.