Beckham eyes $25m deal for new Miami team in MLS after talks in the US

PUBLISHED: 04:42 EST, 31 May 2013 | UPDATED: 06:02 EST, 31 May 2013

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Miami put up a warm welcome for David Beckham as he arrived to explore the idea of starting a Major League Soccer franchise in the city.

Beckham has an option from his contract with LA Galaxy to own a club in the league for a set fee of $25million.

And the red carpet was rolled out for Beckham as he arrived by private jet, before being driven to a Miami Heat basketball game in an SUV flanked by two police escorts.

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Warm welcome: Beckham arrived in Miami by private jet to explore the idea of opening an MLS franchise

The 38-year-old sat courtside for the fifth game of the NBA playoffs, between the Heat and the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Arena, as a guest of Bolivian billionaire Marcelo Claure, who is reportedly keen to be involved in an MLS franchise with Beckham.

Around 75 local football fans stood outside the arena for three hours in the rain to welcome Beckham and show him their support for an MLS team in Miami, but they were left disappointed as he didn't stop to chat.

Following the game, Beckham went with Claure to Japanese restaurant Zuma but refused to answer any questions when he left.

Special treatment: Beckham attended a Miami Heat game as a guest of Bolivian billionaire Marcelo Claure

As the location of Beckham's MLS team is still to be decided, the former England captain is said to also be researching other cities, although he is not allowed to open a franchise in New York under the terms of his original contract clause.

A potential venue for a Miami MLS team is the Miami Dolphins’ stadium, although it is also believed that a new stadium could be built.

Superstar: Beckham arrives at the American Airlines Arena for the fifth game of the NBA play-offs between Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers

There is currently no MLS franchise in Florida.

Beckham's trip shows that he is showing no signs of slowing down as he enjoys life after football following his retirement two weeks ago.

Rally: A group of supporters wait outside for Beckham to show their support for a Miami MLS franchise

Teary-eyed: Beckham, 38, played his last ever match for PSG against Brest

David Beckham says tearful goodbye to football

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Dixieuk, Orlando, 7 months ago

Once again I will say why on earth would he invest in Miami when Orlando is way down the road with an English ownership group, a Brazilian investor who has already agreed to put in 80 million, the city who has already purchased the site in downtown Orlando for a stadium and over 250,000 Brits living within 50 miles of Orlando. Lets not forget that close to a million Brits travel to Orlando each year and DIsney is right down the road along with ESPN Wide World of Sports where Becks could reserect his Academy (That has failed miserably in both London and LA). Miami is a failed soccer town and the fusion prove that. This is a big mistake for Becks. Come on up to Orlando.

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LBH, london, 7 months ago

Lol the entire 15 supporters that showed up. hahhaha still hope it happens though, go on Becks!!

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Ron, Jupiter, 7 months ago

Skinnydinners - sure some people will be jealous, it human nature for some. Just as its human nature for so many to be shallow and gullible to fall for the Beckham PR.

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derrick4real, Los Angeles, United States, 7 months ago

Glazers had their chance long ago and passed. I'm not sure MLS even wants the Glazers involved. but I think what's much more likely is that David will become a part owner of a club but he's not getting a whole club for $25 mill when they are going from $75 to $100. That said, with Chivas in such trouble i could see them getting moved. Buying the Galaxy? It's the most valuable team in MLS, Becks is rich but it be quite pricey. Plus does AEG actually want to sell it? I don't know. Don't remember.

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derrick4real, Los Angeles, United States, 7 months ago

"Beckham has an option from his contract with LA Galaxy to own a club in the league for a set fee of $25million." I can tell you. From every person connected with MLS I've heard speak on the subject that has read his contract says no such contract option exists to purchase an MLS team at that price.