Is Beckham going to Newcastle?

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd orchestrated a major coup when the Toon Army's hierarchy turned on the charm offensive to prize Michael Owen to St James' Park and it has been reported in the Daily Mail that Shepherd has held talks with David Beckham. Shepherd is said to have tabled an offer comprising of a take-home weekly pay packet of £120,000, plus offered Beckham the No 7 shirt which was once worn by Tyneside legend Kevin Keegan. Real Madrid have indicated that they are keen to retain Beckham's services with Fabio Capello describing the former Manchester United midfielder as "important" to the club. However, Beckham has long been linked with a move back to home shores and having spent plenty of time with fellow Premiership players during England's World Cup campaign, there is a chance that the opportunity of a home-coming is one which Becks will wish to grasp with both hands this time. Indeed, if the reports are accurate, Beckham and wife Victoria met with Shepherd in London hotel Claridges on Thursday afternoon. There is no smoke without fire and Newcastle are determined to re-establish the Toon Army as a force within the Premiership following many seasons of under-achievement. In the Premiership betting without the big four - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd - Newcastle are 5/1 second favourites with Stan James behind 5/2 favourites Tottenham, a price offered by Betfred. In the overall Premiership winner betting market, Newcastle are 200/1 with Blue Square. Totesport offer 66/1 about Newcastle being relegated from the Premiership this season.