The 31-year-old midfielder has been forced into a bit-part role this season and is desperate not to spend much of the remaining years of his playing career on the sidelines.

Real have confirmed that a new two-year contract is still on the table despite confusion over remarks yesterday by sporting director Predrag Mijatovic apparently suggesting Beckham would be leaving in the summer.

Urgent communication between Beckham’s camp and the club followed, and soon established that the offer was still on the table.

A spokesman for Beckham said: “We spoke to the club immediately and as far as we are concerned a significant two-year deal remains on the table.

“We are meeting Real Madrid today and will sit down to discuss the deal further and we will go from there.”

Beckham is under contract with the Spanish giants until the end of June but since January 1 has been allowed to speak to other clubs, and has been linked with a move to the United States.

Real are very keen to keep the midfielder even though he has had a limited role under Fabio Capello – as his marketing power as the world’s most famous footballer remains a huge draw to fans across the globe.

Beckham though has seen six different coaches appointed since he joined Real in July 2003, and the club has failed to land a trophy in those three seasons.

Even with a host of top-quality new signings and under a proven coach such as Capello they have once more stuttered this season, leaving Beckham with some doubts as to whether he should remain at the club until 2009.