Becks to train, not play, for Spurs

Published Jan. 9, 2011 6:15 p.m. ET

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Spurs were among a handful of Premier League clubs keen to recruit Beckham on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy during the Major League Soccer close season. But manager Harry Redknapp told Sky Sports News ahead of Sunday's third round FA Cup tie at against Charlton: "I don't think it's going to happen, I think there are problems with the insurance. "David is welcome to come and train here for a month or so which I think he would like to do but it looks like, as far as playing goes, it looks like a no-goer. "It couldn't happen so, not a problem, we'll just get on with it." Redknapp said the deal had fallen through because of problems over an insurance fee, which the Galaxy demanded after he picked up an Achilles injury during his last spell on loan in Europe with AC Milan. It will come as a blow to the 115-cap midfielder, who had been hoping to catch the eye of England boss Fabio Capello with a two-month loan spell at the Premier League side. A statement released on the Spurs website confirmed that Beckham would train with the club, rather than play, for a month. "Tottenham Hotspur is delighted to announce that England's most capped outfield player, David Beckham will train with the first-team squad," the statement read. "David will train with the Club until February 10 when he will be required to return to LA Galaxy ahead of the start of the MLS season." The announcement came as a surprise given that Redknapp said on Friday that a loan deal for Beckham was "90% done" and insisted that the 35-year-old could have been in the stands for today's clash at White Hart Lane. The Spurs boss was disappointed not to have signed Beckham, but still thinks the veteran's influence around his young team will help in their push for a place in next year's Champions League. Redknapp said: "We'd love to have him here for longer but respect his commitments to LA Galaxy. "They wanted him back in early February so that made it difficult to do a playing deal on the basis of three weeks. "David is a fantastic professional - he will be a great influence around the place and I am sure we will all benefit from his winning mentality. "I think everyone will enjoy having him here." Beckham, who has previously trained with Spurs' north London rivals Arsenal, could start work at the club's Essex training ground this week and is looking forward to the experience. Beckham said: "It's important that I maintain a high level of fitness during the MLS off season. "I'm thankful to Tottenham and Harry Redknapp for giving me the opportunity to train with the team over the next month. "I'm grateful to the LA Galaxy for allowing to me to train with Spurs. I look forward to getting to work as soon as possible." Had Beckham signed a playing deal with Spurs, he would have been in line to make his debut against his former team Manchester United in next Sunday's match between the two sides at White Hart Lane.