David Beckham in talks with Paris St-Germain, says Leonardo

 

After winning the MLS Cup with Los Angeles Galaxy David Beckham confirmed that two European clubs are interested in signing him. Photograph: Toby Canham/Getty Images

David Beckham has begun talks to join Paris St-Germain, according to the French club's sporting director, Leonardo. Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy contract runs out at the end of next month and PSG – top of Ligue 1 after the arrival of new Qatari owners in the summer – have become the favourites to sign the former England captain.

The 36-year-old revealed after helping the Galaxy to the MLS title last weekend that he has been courted by "two big European clubs".

The former Milan manager Leonardo, who coached Beckham during the midfielder's loan spell at San Siro last year, confirmed PSG were one of those clubs. "Yes, we've spoken. These situations take time. We'll see if something suits him and suits us," Leonardo was quoted as saying in the Sun.

"I know his history and he doesn't need to tell me his past. He went to Milan and it was the same thing. There is a rapport with him. When you talk about Beckham, you're talking about something big. Now his contract is finished, he will decide his future."

PSG's interest in Beckham has been derided in some parts as a publicity stunt as the club's new owners look to cash in on his worldwide appeal. Leonardo, however, claimed Beckham could provide a key part in their push for a first French title since 1994.

"If Beckham thinks about coming, that's something we should be happy about," Leonardo said. I think he can still bring something on the pitch with the person he is and the experience he has.

"If a player like him is thinking about Paris St-Germain that's good, and we've opened the door for discussions. Everybody's talking about PSG and that pleases me. PSG are on the up, there are 45,000 people in the stadium and everyone's happy."