SUNDERLAND - Roy Keane's Sunderland recruitment drive is unlikely to extend to former England skipper David Beckham.
Reports on Tuesday suggested the 32-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy star could be handed a sensational return to the Barclays Premier League by his one-time Manchester United team-mate.
Sunderland were not commenting publicly on a report that they were ready to offer the midfielder a six-month loan spell at the Stadium of Light during the US close-season, although they privately played it down.
However, a spokesman for Beckham told PA Sport: "There will be no loan moves or short-term contracts. He is under contract to the Galaxy."
Beckham is in the first year of a lucrative five-year deal with Galaxy which is said to be worth up to £128million, and is currently recovering from a knee injury after a frustrating start to his career on the other side of the Atlantic.
His club has prospered despite his absence in recent weeks and is pushing for a place in the end-of-season play-offs with the campaign due to draw to a close next month.
He flew back to England last week after his father Ted suffered a heart attack but has now returned to America.
There is little doubt that Sunderland - and many other clubs, for that matter - would jump at the chance to sign Beckham on a short-term basis, not just for his ability on the pitch but the publicity and merchandising opportunities his arrival would bring.
Keane's relationship with him - the pair spent a decade together at Old Trafford - would give him a headstart, and he has already taken former United colleagues Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Danny Higginbotham, Kieran Richardson, Paul McShane and Liam Miller to the Stadium of Light, as well as recruiting Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson on loan last season.
However, Beckham, who has also been linked with derby rivals Newcastle as well as a host of other English clubs, appears to be staying put despite doubts over his chances of reviving his England hopes from the US.
Keane invested in excess of £35million this summer in an effort to build a squad capable of making an impact in the Barclays Premier League after a triumphant Coca-Cola Championship campaign in his first season in charge.
