David Beckham has "no intention" of staying with Real Madrid, despite reports in Spain that the club was planning to launch an attempt to keep the player.
The former England captain, who has enjoyed a fine end to the season, winning back his place in both the Real and international set-ups, is due to join Major League Soccer franchise Los Angeles Galaxy when his current deal expires at the end of the month.
But, following his highly-successful return to Steve McClaren's side and the prospect of a first Primera Liga title if Madrid can beat Real Mallorca in their final fixture, club president Ramon Calderon was quoted in a Spanish newspaper as saying the club would try to retain the 32-year-old's services.
Amid reports of a clause in the midfielder's contract with Galaxy that would permit Real to make the move, Calderon said: "We need to sit down with him (Beckham), his representatives and with (Real Madrid sporting director Predrag) Mijatovic, look at this clause, and decide between us, but for me I would be delighted if he remained at the club.
"There was a bit of anger by the premature announcement of his exit, but we are now going to make an effort for him to stay."
But those hopes look set to be dashed as Beckham's spokesman announced: "There is no intention of getting out of the Galaxy contract. David is looking forward to going to LA - but he wants to end his career at Real Madrid on a high note first, by winning the league."
Beckham was told he had played his last game for Madrid by coach Fabio Capello when he agreed to join the Galaxy in January but he has been instrumental in their late title charge, with a victory over Mallorca next weekend now all that stands between them and the Primera Liga crown.
The midfielder, who suffered an ankle injury on duty for England against Estonia, played through the pain barrier in yesterday's 2-2 draw with Real Zaragoza and Calderon paid tribute to the former Manchester United midfielder's courage and spoke of his desire for him to remain with the club.
"Beckham has shown that he is a great player, with great pride," he added. "He is playing at a great level and yesterday he fought even though he was half-injured against Zaragoza. "The Madrid supporters love him, and for me I would like him to remain in the team."
