David Beckham hit the headlines during the early hours of this morning by announcing that he is to quit Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy at the beginning of December.
The former England captain also went on to confirm that had no plans to hang up his boots just yet.
So, with that in mind, Sports Mole has assessed the options that may be available to the 37-year-old following a five-year stint playing in the United States.
The A-League - Melbourne Heart
Aussie side Melbourne Heart have made little secret of their wish to sign the former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger, even if it is just for 10 matches. While the standard of football is not the greatest, the attraction for Beckham could be raising the profile of football Down Under - similar to what he attempted in the States. The lifestyle would also suit Beckham and his family.
Coming home - West Ham United, QPR
Despite being a Man United supporter, Beckham is a London boy. His services are not likely to interest the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. However, the chance to name Beckham in their starting lineup could tempt both West Ham and QPR. From a QPR point of view, money wouldn't be a problem. The funds may not be as easy to find for the Hammers, but the impression is that if Becks were keen on moving to Upton Park, they would move heaven and earth to make it happen. What remains to be seen though is if Beckham would be keen on lining up against United.
Bonjour Beckham - Paris Saint-Germain
Prior to Beckham signing a new contract with the Galaxy, PSG's director Leonardo made his club's wish to sign Beckham public. That was only in January of this year so you'd have to assume that their torch for the Englishman is still burning bright. Money is no option for the club's owners - they are the Manchester City of France. As well as the potential wage packet, living in Paris would provide Beckham with a simple a quick trip across the Channel back to England whenever he felt like it.
China bound?
There are few footballers on the planet that are more popular in the Far East than Beckham. What's more, club owners in China are currently trying to raise the profile of the game by recruiting a number of players. Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have already been signed on - but capturing Beckham would be the biggest coup of them all. Whether such a dramatic upheaval for the player and his family at this stage in his career would appeal to the Beckhams remains to be seen.
Going nowhere
Just because Beckham is cutting his ties with the Galaxy, that does not mean that the USA has seen the last of him. Beckham is known to enjoy the lifestyle he has Stateside and after Los Angeles, where else do you go? Maybe New York? The Red Bulls already have Thierry Henry on their books. Perhaps those two could roll back the years for a few months in the city that never sleeps.
Sports Mole says: There are arguments for and against all of the above options. However, Australia or continuing in the USA seem to be the most likely right now. Maybe he will have a short stint strutting his stuff in the A-League, before returning to America and New York to start up another franchise.
Liam Apicella
