Former England captain David Beckham said on Monday he wanted to stay at Real Madrid, contradicting persistent press reports linking him with a move to a British club or the American League.

"My future is here, my life is here," Beckham told reporters at a news conference. "I'm not going to be talking to any teams -- I'm not going anywhere in January."

Beckham has been linked with Premier League Tottenham Hotspur, Scottish champions Celtic and a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the U.S. which, according to sports newspaper Marca, has been the source of the most lucrative offer.

Beckham said talks about renewing his contract are continuing after they were held up due to the change of chairman and coach at Real Madrid during the close season.

"The contract talks have been ongoing," the former England captain said. "They started up again two or three weeks ago and there will be another meeting in the next week."

Beckham denied that Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon is trying to cut his wages as part of a new contract.

"That's a hypothetical question because that hasn't happened to me -- it's not about the money for me," Beckham said.

"I want to stay with this team because I think we can win something this year," he added.

Beckham has started only three of Real's eight league games this season but asked if not being a first-choice under manager Fabio Capello made him want to leave Real, he said:

"When I get my chance, I'll have to take it. If I take it, I'll stay in the team. Of course I want to play."

Beckham, 31, quit as England captain and then lost his place in the squad after Steve McLaren became national team manager following the World Cup in Germany.

(Reuters October 31, 2006)