While the veteran 35-year-old is keen to keep himself in competitive match practice during the next three months, there has yet been no official statement from the US franchise.

When the story first broke just before Christmas, the Galaxy stressed they were unaware of any desire by the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder to return to Europe again and were "fully expecting" Beckham to "report with the rest of his team-mates in late January for the upcoming season."

Beckham is, nevertheless, keen to return to Europe during the MLS close season with a view to proving to England manager Fabio Capello he deserves a recall to the national side.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to bring Beckham back to England in a temporary move similar to the deals which have twice seen him play short spell for AC Milan.

Newcastle and Blackburn have also expressed an interest, but Redknapp stresses there is only a small window of opportunity for any deal to happen, with the new MLS season set to kick off in mid-March.

"Weeks fly by and this month will have come and gone before we know where we are," Redknapp said.

"It is a difficult one. But let's wait and see, it's not in my hands.

"David would be great to have around the place and I am sure he's got a lot to offer as a player and a person. As a professional, he's top class."

Beckham headed to the United States from Real Madrid in January 2007 at a time when it appeared his impact on the field was coming to an end, only to eventually be brought back into the England fold by new boss Capello.

Galaxy fans, however, have been less than impressed by the latest rumours surrounding the short-term future of their star man, whose return from an Achilles tendon injury limited his impact as they reached the Western Conference Final, losing to Dallas and missing out on a shot at the MLS Cup.

Last month, Galaxy captain Landon Donovan announced he would forego any potential loan opportunities during January, despite impressing while at Everton last season.

Former US international Alexi Lalas was Galaxy's general manager when Beckham moved there, and feels another switch back to Europe for the high-profile midfielder may not be well received.

"American soccer fans say David Beckham has given a lot, but he's also taken a tremendous amount out of Major League Soccer," Lalas said.

"The reason David Beckham went over to Milan was to prepare, in theory for the [2010] World Cup.

"I think that was commendable and understandable to a certain extent, but now it is happening once again."