English Premier League clubs vie to cash on Beckham’s popularity

LONDON - English Premier League clubs lining up to try to tempt football superstar David Beckham back home from America after the ace midfielder expressed his desire to play football in Europe.

It is his marketing potential, however, rather than his on-the-pitch skill that is attracting bidders.

Securing his services would be worth millions of pounds in sponsorship to a Premier League side, the Daily Express reports.

“As a player Beckham is not up there with the Rooneys any more. His best days are past but as the world’s most famous footballer he will sell a lot of shirts and corporate tickets,” PR guru Max Clifford said.

“If he was worth 50,000 pounds a week as a footballer, which is quite average these days, because of what he can bring to the table in terms of advertising, sponsorship and merchandising, then he could be paid more than 100,000 pounds a week. He opens up areas like Asia, where he is a huge star,” he said.

“He is as much a marketing tool as he is a footballer, and he could earn another million or two a year from getting a percentage of the merchandise he sells,” Clifford said

Beckham could make a sensational return to England as a Tottenham Spurs player this week.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has expressed interest in signing the 35-year-old former England captain on loan from LA Galaxy and other top clubs are lining up rival bids.

Clifford said the former Manchester United star would bring “a tremendous amount of attention to any club”. (ANI)