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Madrid newspapers says Beckham will play for Madrid. Story Tools

LONDON, England -- David Beckham will play for Real Madrid next season not Barcelona, according to Spanish papers.

The latest twist in the British soccer star's transfer saga comes after Beckham's agent refused to meet Barcelona's presidential candidate Joan Laporta, who made a conditional offer to Manchester United football club for the 30 million player ($50 million).

This makes a move to Real Madrid more likely for the Beckhan, who is also captain of England's national soccer team, the Spanish papers reported.

The daily Diario AS speculated that Real president Florentino Perez will complete the signing by the end of the month, with the paper leading with the headline that "Beckham has chosen Madrid."

"Nobody should be fooled, David Beckham will play for Real Madrid next season and his signing will happen once the season [in Spain] is over," said the Madrid-based paper.

It also said Beckham only wants to play for Madrid, adding that he has already told his family and friends and "could make it public in the next few hours."

Madrid is one of the most successful soccer clubs in the world.

The transfer rumors have dominated the sports pages of the European press, with journalists saying Manchester United is keen to cash in on its biggest asset before his contract expires.

Another newspaper, Marca, ran with the headline "Beckham cierra Laporta," which when translated suggests that Beckham has shut the door on a move to Barcelona.

Papers in Barcelona also speculate that Real Madrid has started negotiations with the star -- one of soccer's most marketable players -- and concede that there is still much that needs to be done by Laporta to attract the player.

But the 28-year-old midfielder indicated Tuesday that he will reject the Barcelona deal with his advisers saying he is being used as a "pawn" by the club.(Full story)

The Barcelona offer is subject to a number of conditions including personal terms and Laporta being elected president of Barcelona. The election is on June 15.

The Manchester team's website said Tuesday: "Manchester United confirms that club officials have met Jogn Laporta, the leading candidate for the presidency of Barcelona. These meetings have resulted in an offer being made for the transfer of David Beckham to Barcelona."

The Barcelona bid may be unattractive to the soccer player because the team are not in the top-flight Champions League next season.

Beckham is currently on holiday in Los Angeles with his pop star wife, Victoria, formerly of the Spice Girls.