Real Madrid's David Beckham (L) reacts during their Spanish First Division soccer match against Deportivo Coruna Jan.7, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

  MADRID, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- David Beckham is still in negotiations with Real Madrid about a new contract and reports to the contrary follow misinterpreted comments by Real's sporting director, the club and the player's spokesman said on Wednesday.

    Sky Italia said earlier that Real's Predrag Mijatovic had told the channel Beckham's contract would not be renewed and that he would leave.

    A verbatim translation of the telephone conversation between the interviewer and Mijatovic went as follows:

    "Will Beckham's contract be renewed?"

    "No (pause) no. Beckham's contract has not been renewed."

    But a spokesman for Beckham said: "I've spoken to Real Madrid about this and they say it is a confusion in the interview with Mijatovic.

    "There is an offer on the table from Real Madrid and we will be meeting to discuss this in the next two days."

    Beckham's four-year contract expires at the end of this season, and Real has been offering the 31-year-old midfielder a two-year extension to his current deal, but said they wanted Beckham to make a quick decision on his future so they can plan for next season.

    Beckham, who joined Madrid from Manchester United in 2003, has been stalling on the offer due to his lack of first-team opportunities under coach Fabio Capello this season. He has started only seven of 25 matches.

    As of Jan.1, Beckham has been free to talk to other clubs with teams in England, Italy and the United States interested in signing him.

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