Beckham in Premier League U-turn

Former England captain David Beckham would consider a return to the Premier League to boost his chances of playing at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who plays for Los Angeles Galaxy, said he would never turn out for another English side when he left Manchester United in 2003.

However, in a U-turn, he stated: "Never say never. I would definitely consider it. "When I left my heart was in Manchester - I couldn't see myself playing against United. Now I would not rule it out."

Beckham has a five-year Major League Soccer contract, which began in 2007 and allows him to spend the off-season on loan at a European club.

He has only recently returned to the United States following a five-month spell with AC Milan.

His interest in a return to England is likely to spark rumours of a move to Chelsea this winter after he impressed new Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was Milan coach during the player's time in Italy. However, a return to Serie A seems the more likely move. "Obviously, Milan expressed that they want me to go back, so I don't see any reason why that would change," added Beckham, who left Old Trafford to join Real Madrid.

"We'll have to wait and see. I hope to be going back there."

In addition, Beckham, who is England's most capped outfield player with 112 appearances, has reiterated his desire to see out his Major League Soccer contract. "I intend to stay until the end of my contract and maybe further," he confirmed.

"I've always said that. I've always said, even when I went to Milan, that I'm committed to the Galaxy and to MLS, and that hasn't changed." Beckham is currently trying to mend relationships with players and fans in Los Angeles that soured after he opted to stay in Italy rather than return to the US for the start of the MSL season. His Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan suggested Beckham had shown a lack of commitment and that his level of dedication to the club had waned since his arrival in July 2007.

The duo met, along with manager Bruce Arena, when Galaxy training resumed on Monday, and Beckham said: "I'm not going to talk about what was said. That was between me, Landon and the manager but we had a good talk."

Donovan too is keen to put recent events behind him, adding: "We're getting past it, we're moving on.”I regret many things. I regret the way that I went about this process and I regret some of the things I said.

"Some good will comes out of it. I really believe that. I believe we are getting to the bottom of things we needed to."