Pardew unlikely to see Becks in the city

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew admits former England skipper David Beckham is unlikely to be pulling on a black and white shirt later this month. The Magpies have been linked with the 35-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder for several days now, but have privately played down their interest in him with Tottenham overwhelming favourites to clinch a loan deal during the American close-season. However, Press Association Sport understands they have registered their interest in the player, albeit in the knowledge they have more chance of landing alternative targets. Pardew was coy when asked about the speculation, although once again he did not rubbish the claims. He said: "People are suggesting we are in the market for him because I have said I want an offensive player and obviously, he is one of the few on the market. "I have not dismissed it, but in no way are we in talks or anything like that. I have not dismissed anyone because I don't want to limit my chances here. I think it is unlikely, but we have targets elsewhere which give probably more chance of fruition than that one."

Source: PA