Australian clubs bid for Beckham match

SYDNEY: Sydney and Melbourne are vying to secure a lucrative match against David Beckham's new US club LA Galaxy, reports said on Thursday.

The former England skipper, who is playing out his European career with Spanish giants Real Madrid, will be on the Galaxy's pre-season tour of Asia, which will include a visit to Australia.

Inaugural A-League champions Sydney FC have the money-spinning match tentatively set down for November 27 at the Olympic stadium, reports said.

However reigning champions Melbourne Victory have not given up hope of staging the glamour fixture at their 50,000-plus capacity Docklands stadium.

Melbourne Victory chairman Geoff Lord has confirmed his club has been negotiating with the tour organisers to stage a game against the Galaxy.

"We have been having ongoing discussions for some time. Obviously we feel we deserve to play the Galaxy. I am sure we would sell out for such a game," Lord told The Australian newspaper.

But Sydney FC officials believe their club has had the inside running with club part-owner Australian and Hollywood actor Anthony La Paglia involved in the negotiations.

"We have been in talks for some time. Obviously Anthony has played a pivotal role because of his friendship with (Galaxy president and general manager) Alexi Lalas," chief executive George Perry said.

With gate-takings from a 60,000-plus crowd and television fees taken into account, the club which wins the contest stands to gain an estimated one million Australian dollars (USD 830,000 US).