BECKHAM STAR OF GALAXY

Former England captain David Beckham is ready to wave goodbye to Madrid — and become a superstar in America. Insiders say the sensational switch could turn the 31-year-old into a truly global phenomenon. Last night a source close to Becks said: “The challenge in the States is to get American kids to fall in love with football. “No other player — even greats like Pele and George Best — has managed it. It would be an incredible achievement.” Becks has been stalling over contract talks because he can no longer hold down a regular first team place at Spanish giants Real. If coach Fabio Capello does not guarantee him more time on the pitch he will walk away. And unless he gets a fantastic last-minute offer from a top European club he intends to play in the US. Wife Victoria, 32, is keen on a move to sunny California and has already been house-hunting there. American soccer chiefs are desperate for a “poster boy” to promote the sport. And Becks is up for the buzz it would provide. LA Galaxy have offered him £1.5million a year — compared to the £5million he gets at Madrid. But they have told him he can control his image rights, which will net him a further £20million. The source said: “He would continue to play football as well as becoming a huge ambassador for the sport in America. There would be advertising and sponsorship too. And it would let him work more closely with the soccer academy he’s already set up in LA.” “Her own range of jeans sold very well in America and she plans a full-on assault on the fashion industry. “Victoria met J-Lo at a party in New York last year and they hit it off instantly. David also gets on well with J-Lo’s husband Mark Anthony and considers Tom Cruise one of his closest friends. “He likes the Los Angeles lifestyle and thinks it’s a great place to raise a family.” Ex-Manchester United idol Becks wants to wait until summer — when he would be out of contract — rather than move in this month’s transfer window, when he could cost £4million