Alan Pardew says Newcastle 'unlikely' to sign Beckham

Beckham is likely to join Spurs on loan from LA Galaxy

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted that the club are "unlikely" to sign David Beckham on loan.

Pardew had told BBC Sport he was looking for an attacking midfield player and LA Galaxy's Beckham could fit the bill.

But he said: "I think it is unlikely. We have targets elsewhere which give probably more chance of fruition than that one."

Financial considerations could determine Pardew's new signings.

The club has been linked with the Tottenham duo Robbie Keane and David Bentley, as well as Leeds winger Max Gradel and Southampton striker Jason Puncheon, who is currently on loan at Millwall.

Spurs remain overwhelming favourites to clinch a deal with the 35-year-old former England captain Beckham, with Blackburn also said to be interested.

606: DEBATE Will former Manchester United man Beckham actually wear a Newcastle shirt? Is it a formality he will end up in the Premier League on loan? BBC Sport's Chris W

Pardew said: "People are suggesting we are in the market for him [Beckham] because I have said I want an offensive player and obviously, he is one of the few on the market.

"I have not dismissed it, but in no way are we in talks or anything like that. I have not dismissed anyone because I don't want to limit my chances here.

"If you are a Premier League manager of any ilk, you want to be in the ball park, so to speak, if he becomes available."

Pardew said transfers had not been discussed at St James' Park yet, although from Tuesday they would be seeking to bring in a new offensive player to give bite to the side while striker Andy Carroll is out with a thigh injury.

Some fringe players could leave in the January window, but striker Leon Best, who came on as a substitute in Sunday's 1-0 Premier League victory at Wigan, will not be among them.

Pardew spoke to BBC Sport on Sunday about the Beckham link

"He is banging on my door and he wants a chance. I quite like that, so he may feature in the next two or three games," former West Ham and Reading boss Pardew commented.

He has rated club top scorer Carroll 50-50 to return to action in time for the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday 16 January.

"Andy is OK, we're just monitoring him and making sure we don't bring him back early," he said.