Beckhams 'near settlement' with ex-guard

The couple are planning to publish their own book

David and Victoria Beckham are close to settling their confidentiality case against a former bodyguard after secret hearings at the High Court.

The couple's case against Mark Niblett has been adjourned until 29 August after four hours of talks and hearings, with no comment from either side, other than to say "a large measure of agreement has been reached".

Mr Niblett, 40, who has been talking about the couple to biographer Andrew Morton, is bound by an undertaking not to speak to or provide any further information to the writer.

The Beckhams claim the bodyguard - who parted company with the England footballer and Spice Girls singer in May - is bound by a confidentiality agreement covering his employment with them.

Mr Morton - best-known for his book about Diana, Princess of Wales - and Michael O'Mara Books, publishers of his forthcoming biography of the couple, are also named as defendants.

They have pledged not to publish anything or receive any information from Mr Niblett - except through solicitors to contest the couple's claim - pending next month's hearing.

The High Court has heard the Beckhams are planning to publish their own book in the autumn.