Real urge Beckham to make mind up soon

MADRID, Jan 9 (Reuters) Real Madrid want former England captain David Beckham to make a quick decision on his future so they can plan for next season.

''A few months ago we presented an offer to extend his contract that reflected his importance as a football player and as a marketing image,'' Real sports director Predrag Mijatovic told radio station Cadena Ser today.

''He asked for time to think about it, but we are in a situation where we don't have time. We have to decide now.

''Next week we will address the issue.'' Real have offered the 31-year-old midfielder a two-year extension to his current deal, which ends in June.

Beckham's spokesman Simon Oliveira said last week that they expected to have made a decision by March.

As of Jan.1 Beckham has been free to talk to other clubs with teams in England, Italy and the United States reportedly interested in signing him.

REUTERS AY HS1731