The chances of David Beckham joining Tottenham on loan appeared remote Friday after Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said the midfielder wouldn't be fit to play a Premier League match until the end of January.
Beckham began a monthlong training stint with Spurs this week, and Tottenham had been in negotiations with the Los Angeles Galaxy about signing the ex-England captain on loan until March.
But Redknapp said Beckham is still two weeks away from full fitness and suggested it may not be worth adding him to the squad for such a short spell.
''It's only two months and before you know it, a month will have gone and then it would be only a couple of weeks. So it's a difficult one really,'' Redknapp said.
Beckham had his first day of training on Tuesday and his presence at Spurs' training ground in northeast London has generated a huge amount interest.
Redknapp said there has been ''nothing flashy'' about the 35-year-old Beckham and acknowledged his fitness levels weren't up to the required standard to play in England's top division.
''David is a fitness fanatic but getting fit to play Premier League football is very different to just going training on your own and keeping your fitness up,'' Redknapp said. ''He would be the first to admit that in his first week in training he has felt tired, and it's going to be a couple of weeks before he is fit enough to play.''
Spurs initially expressed interest in Beckham earlier this month, raising the prospect of the midfielder playing for Tottenham against his former club Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Redknapp said he never considered that possibility.
''I never felt he'd be fit enough to play this week,'' said Redknapp, while delighted with Beckham's impact on the team. ''It has been good having him here. Everyone respects him, likes him. He just comes in and just gets on with it. He's a great role model for any footballer.''
Beckham has been hoping that playing in the Premier League would boost his chances of being recalled to the England squad, having made 115 appearances.
The Galaxy, however, is reluctant to allow Beckham to go to Europe for a third consecutive Major League Soccer offseason.
During a stint at AC Milan last season, Beckham damaged his Achilles' tendon and was sidelined for six months.
