McClaren not drawn on Beckham loan report

LONDON, Sept 2 (Reuters) England manager Steve McClaren declined today to be drawn on a report that David Beckham is considering a possible return to England from the United States on a four-month loan period from January.

The Sunday Express said Beckham, on 97 international caps, was keen to reach 100 and feared that he might miss out if he was unable to impress McClaren on a regular basis.

The newspaper said the midfielder was seeking ''crisis talks'' with his American club LA Galaxy to discuss a possible return.

But McClaren told BBC Radio Five: ''It's not for me to really comment on that. I spoke to David and I've not seen any quotes from him saying that. He has made no indication to me that he intends to do that.

''I can't comment one way or another on the likelihood (of a loan move) ... or how it would benefit one way or another.'' McClaren is gearing up for Euro 2008 qualifiers with Israel and Russia over the next 10 days but will be without Beckham, who is out with an injured knee for about six weeks.

REUTERS SSC RK1805