Gold's Beck in the hunt

29 July 2010

CHANGING SIDES? David Beckham in action against West Ham for the MLS All Stars in 2008 - could he now be joining the east Londoners? Photo: Steve Bacon.

By Dave Evans

YOU HAVE to admire their persistance.

First there was Ruud Van Nistelrooy, then David Beckham, then Thierry Henry.

But despite the knock-backs and even the sniggers among football fans, it seems that West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold are still desperate to land a big name.

Whether it is aimed at upping the profile of the east London club as they bid to secure the rights to the Olympic Stadium, or whether it is just an attempt to sell more season tickets is a matter for discussion, but it seems that the chairmen are willing to put their hands in their own pockets to make things happen.

Now the Henry deal is dead, the Hammers have returned their attention to Beckham, and thrown in a little punt for Ronaldinho for good measure.

The wisdom of signing either player in terms of on the field fortunes is debatable.

The Brazilian's star has been on the wane since he joined AC Milan and though he has just one year left on his contract, his current wage of around £120,000 a week is surely way out of the Hammers' reach, especially with the new 50 per cent tax on high earners.

The situation with Beckham is slightly different, though once again his abilities on the field have been waning for quite some time.

An Achilles injury ruled him out of the World Cup and he is still contracted to LA Galaxy, but for Gold, he sees the Leytonstone-born star as an important step for West Ham's ambitions.

"David Beckham could play a massive part, because of his roots, in helping West Ham win the Olympic Stadium," said the co-chairman. "And maybe he can still play for us in the autumn of his career.

"For him to join a club like us and help us bring another dream to fruition would be perfect for everyone."

It will certainly help with the Hammers' image off the field.

Beckham is one of the few footballers known throughout the world and the potential in shirt sales alone would be tremendous.

However, Beckham's time is limited and his playing days are nearly over, so whether it is economically viable to try and bring the 35-year-old to Upton Park and then possibly the Olympic Stadium merely as an ambassador is questionable at best.

Some cynics would say that the Hammers are merely making plays for world class players, knowing full well that they have no hope of signing them.

It ups the profile, suggests that they are ambitious, but unlike the Manchester City's of this world, or even the Tottenham's, they do not have the money to back it up.

Gold stesses that the club have spoken to Beckham's representatives: "We've had conversations with his people and made it clear we want him aboard," said Gold.

Maybe they do, maybe it is merely wishful thinking, but when you look at the more sensible signings that Avram Grant has managed so far, perhaps that sort of strategy is the safest for a club who still have nearly £100million of debt.