ESPN Soccer

MADRID, Spain - David Beckham's ambition to finish his career in the United States could arrive sooner than expected after American team the Los Angeles Galaxy confirmed their interest in the former English captain.

The Galaxy are keeping tabs on Beckham's protracted contract negotiations with Real Madrid and may launch a bid if he fails to agree to a new deal.

Beckham, 31, will have his current contract run out at the end of the season and he will be allowed to speak to other clubs starting January 1 if he has not signed his name to a new two-year deal.

Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic believes Beckham is biding his time to see if he regains a regular starting spot before making his decision.

The Galaxy view themselves as the glamour club of Major League Soccer and Alexi Lalas, the former U.S. international defender who is president and general manager, confirmed their interest.

"A move for Beckham is not something we need to discuss at this point because he's under contract with Real," Lalas told BBC Sport. "But if that changes, and there's an opportunity, of course we'd be interested. There are thousands of clubs out there that would love to have a player of his caliber and the Los Angeles Galaxy is certainly one of them.

"For many people the Los Angeles Galaxy are looked upon as the jewel of MLS. We play in the best stadium, we have had incredible success over the history of the league and we have had great individual players and great teams. There is a tradition of excellence."

Beckham played against the Galaxy in Real's preseason tour in 2005, and has a soccer academy in Los Angeles.

"I've one year left at Real, and maybe two more after that, but things can change in football and the American league does interest me," Beckham said in April. "I want to be part of a country that is passionate about sport. I've got my academy in LA which is important to me because that is my life after the game."

The Galaxy's owner, sports conglomerate Anschutz Entertainment Group, has a close relationship with Beckham and his academy shares a home with the club.

There is a salary cap in the MLS but Lalas believes those rules are about to be relaxed.

"We recognize that when opportunities that will benefit the entire league come along we have to be able to make adjustments," he said. "I feel that going forward there will be the ability for the individual teams to do something like this."

Beckham's final decision could be influenced by the lack of first-team action he has had this season, with new coach Fabio Capello often using the midfielder as a substitute.

"We want to renew his contract and meetings with his representative have taken place," Mijatovic said. "For our part there is no problem, but we also need to listen to the player.

"He has had bad luck in not winning any titles during his three years (at Real), and he is a little disappointed because he does not play as much as he would like, but we cannot guarantee a starting place to anybody. He wants to continue (at the club), but also wants to play."

Beckham, who played the last 25 minutes of Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Celta Vigo, could return to the Real starting lineup for Thursday's Copa del Rey second leg with Ecija.

Mijatovic is still under the belief that Beckham will remain with Real when he makes his decision, believing that the Spanish club has the best chance to get the Englishman a title.

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index