England midfielder David Beckham is seeking an early release from his contract with Spanish club Real Madrid in a bid to join Los Angeles Galaxy before the end of the Primera Liga season.

In what will be the biggest deal in sporting history, the 31-year-old Beckham announced on Jan. 11 that he would join the Galaxy after his contract with Real Madrid expires on June 30.

Beckham has agreed to a five-year deal to play for the Galaxy, which opens its season on April 8 in Houston.

Real coach Fabio Capello had dropped the midfielder from the squad and said he would not play for the side again.

The Italian said it was not possible to rely on a player who had already committed himself to another club.

(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2007)