David Beckham Will Renew His Contract In Real Madrid FC

David Beckham is close to signing a new contract with Real Madrid, says the club's president Ramon Calderon.

"In the next 15 or 20 days Beckham's renewal will be solved because both (coach Fabio) Capello and the club are very happy with the player," Calderon told City FM radio on Tuesday.

Beckham's current four-year deal expires in June and if he hasn't renewed by January, he will be free to negotiate with other clubs.

Doubts about Beckham's future have increased following several postponements of negotiations earlier this year. Speculation grew further after he was dropped for last Sunday's league game with Real Sociedad.

While it appears Madrid wants to keep him for two more years, the 31-year-old midfielder's reported demand to raise his share of image rights from 50 per cent to 80 per cent is said to be a stumbling block.

Madrid hasn't won a major trophy since Beckham arrived from Manchester United in 2003.

Beckham, whose commercial value is perhaps even more important to Madrid than his playing ability, said in February he was almost certain to sign a new contract. But talks were shelved in the aftermath of the resignations of two club presidents _ Florentino Perez and Fernando Martin.

Beckham was dropped last month by England. He stepped down as captain following the team's World Cup elimination. Source