Eriksson rules out Beckham swoop

Leicester boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has ruled out making a bid to bring David Beckham back to English football.

Eriksson forged a close relationship with Beckham when the two were England manager and captain respectively between 2001 and 2006.

But the veteran Swede has dismissed reports that Leicester’s Thailand-based owners may be preparing an audacious attempt to sign Beckham from the Los Angeles Galaxy during the January transfer window.

“The story should be killed at once because it will not happen,” said Eriksson. “There is nothing in it, but I can tell you that if David wants to come here to play football then he is more than welcome.

“If he wants to come, then come. But I doubt that he wants to play in the Championship.

“I haven’t spoken to him for a long time but I can easily do that, but I know the answer.

“I doubt that he is going to go on loan because last year there was a lot of criticism from fans and things like that.”

However Eriksson was coy about reports that Leicester’s owners were aiming to sign a star name in the January transfer window.

“We will see,” Eriksson said. “We want to play Premier League football as soon as possible – next season if we can. I know the owners are prepared in January to do what they have to.”