Beckham may yetget Real chance

The prospect of David Beckham returning to the Real Madrid side appeared to move a step closer yesterday when coach Fabio Capello admitted "it is often possible to make a mistake" after he was asked about the former England captain's exclusion from team plans.

Beckham has not played for Madrid since revealing a fortnight ago that he will be joining MLS side the Los Angeles Galaxy when his contract with the Spanish club runs out this summer.

"When I see that a player is in good shape and has a good attitude then he can form part of the team, but he has to show it," Capello added. Before he can do any of that though, Beckham needs to shrug off the knee problem which has prevented him from being able to take a full part in training recently.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has admitted he may renew his interest in signing Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips during the summer after having a £10 million bid for him rejected.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has admitted the Parkhead club have to play in America for the second summer in a row to try to match the increased spending power of clubs in England. Last year Strachan complained about a gruelling pre-season schedule that included a three-game tour of the US in between two matches in Poland and a trip to Japan.

However, Celtic have been confirmed as the opposition in the 2007 MLS All-Stars Game in Colorado this summer. Strachan insists the trip is necessary to raise funds to attract players to Parkhead.

Edgar Davids has agreed an 18-month contract with Ajax, according to his representative. Robert Geerlings told Voetbal International the 33-year-old had struck a deal with the Dutch outfit, but his current club Tottenham could still throw a spanner in the works.

Shelbourne's Colin Hawkins has completed his move to Coventry City just short of a decade after he was released by the Championship side. The 29-year-old, who had also attracted offers from Derry City and Dunfermline, has signed an 18-month deal.

Reading are believed to have agreed a fee for Cork City's 25-year-old defender Alan Bennett who is expected to complete his move to England over the weekend.