Scandal puts Real strain on Beckham

It has been Victoria Beckham's reluctance to move to Spain and the decision to educate the elder child, Brooklyn, in England that has led to speculation he will not stay in Spain for long. Inevitably, Chelsea have taken a keen interest, although Beckham dismisses talk of joining the Stamford Bridge revolution.

Few can doubt that - for footballing reasons alone - he would choose to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

History is littered with big-name English players who have failed abroad, but Beckham is not one of them. The supporters adore his industry as much as his invention and he has been an instant hit with his colleagues. Yet there are members of the Madrid hierarchy who remain worried. Beckham suffered a dip in form after the winter break and Jorge Valdano, the sporting director at Real, arranged a meeting to discover whether anything was troubling him.

In more recent encounters, such fears have been eased with an improvement in Beckham's performances. But yesterday's events are bound to sound alarm bells at Real and re-awaken interest at Stamford Bridge.

Those who admire Beckham for his football, for the distinction with which he captains England, will hope the whiff of scandal quickly clears with the European Championship just weeks away and the opportunity to lead the national team to a first major trophy in 38 years.

At this stage, not just in the season but in his career, such unwelcome disruption is the last thing Beckham needs.