Real Madrid is waiting for an answer from David Beckham, to its offer of a contract extension until June 2009, local media reported Wednesday.

According to the digital version of sports daily AS, Real has given the former England captain until December 31 to respond to the offer.

Beckham's present Real contract expires in June 2007. Therefore, according to FIFA rules, if he decides not to extend it, he may negotiate with other clubs from 1 January on.

According to AS, Real is hoping that Beckham reflects upon the situation before the squad reports again for training on December 30.

Real president Ramon Calderon said many times in the autumn that he wanted to extend Beckham's contract. AS claims that coach Fabio Capello now also wants Beckham to stay on, after making him first choice in Real's last three games.

Beckham, 31, is desperate to finally win a trophy with Real. He remains the only foreigner in the club's proud history never to win either the Spanish cup or league - or the Champions League.

(Xinhua News Agency December 28, 2006)