Ranieri would be happy with Beckham Monaco move

MONACO (AFP) –

David Beckhamof the LA Galaxy speaks to the media during a press conference after training for the 2012 MLS Cup in Carson, California on November 29. AS Monaco are interested in signing former England captain David Beckham, the second-tier French club’s chief executive Tor-Kristian Karlsen told local media on Friday.

Monaco boss Claudio Ranieri would be “happy” if David Beckham moved to the French second division side, describing the 37-year-old former England captain as a “fantastic” player.

“He is an intelligent, fantastic player with a good personality. He is also a champion,” said former Chelsea boss Ranieri.

“I want to win, my team also. The more champions who come to this club, the greater chances we have of winning.”

Monaco chief executive Tor-Kristian Karlsen confirmed on Friday that the club were interested in signing Beckham.

“Our team is very young. If we’re lucky enough to attract a player to Monaco with such charisma, such a competitive spirit and who is physically in form it would be terrific,” Karlsen told the daily Parisien/Aujourd’hui newspaper.

The Norwegian also told sports daily l’Equipe: “We have a very young team who could benefit from a player of his (Beckham’s) stature, experience and personality.

“But there is obviously a lot of interest from clubs from around the world in such an illustrious player. Now we’re an ambitious club and when a player of this stature becomes available, it’s normal that we are on the alert.”

Beckham’s six-year playing career with Major League Soccer will end with his final game for the Los Angeles Galaxy against Houston this weekend after he announced he was looking forward to “one more challenge” outside of the MLS.

The 115-times capped England player is expected to make a decision on where he will end up playing next by the end of the year.

Sources close to the player have confirmed an approach by Monaco.

Beckham has also been linked with a possible move to Ligue 1 high-flyers Paris Saint-Germain where he would team up again with Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti and team director Leonardo, whom he knows from his two previous loan stints with AC Milan.

There have also been offers from China, Russia and Brazil for the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player, who has not ruled out a return to England.

Since their relegation from the top flight in 2010, Monaco have been taken over by billionaire Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev, who has ambitions to return the club to the top flight and Champions League football.

Ranieri added that his team could benefit from Beckham’s experience.

“Imagine what he could do with a player like (France Under-20 player) Nampalys Mendy, what he could teach him,” said the Italian.

Mendy added: “It would be a dream to play with such a player. He is real class, a great player.”