Soccer: David Beckham is not looking for a permanent transfer to the Premier League and any move back to England would only be on a loan basis, a representative of the former England captain has insisted.

Beckham is 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 appear to be leading the race for his signature but Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers have emerged as rivals.

Harry Redknapp confirmed on Sunday that Spurs are in talks with Beckham's parent club, Los Angeles Galaxy, about a deal for the 35-year-old after making a bid for the star last week. The Spurs boss also refused to rule out making the move permanent should Beckham's potential three-month loan deal prove successful.

A representative for the midfielder, who previously claimed he would only come back to England to sign for former club Manchester United, said on Monday Beckham was waiting to hear whether the Galaxy would sanction the deal, but insisted any move would not be a permanent basis.

"At the moment we are waiting on the decision of LA Galaxy with regards to a loan move," the spokesman said. "The loan would be a short one until the start of the MLS season. David would then return and play a full season with the Galaxy. Tottenham are one of many clubs who are interested but as yet we have not got into any detailed conversations as we are waiting on LA Galaxy's decision."

Beckham spent the last two MLS close seasons on loan at Italian giants AC Milan but this time he is thought to prefer a loan move to the Barclays Premier League and it's understood Spurs are leading the chase for the star's signature.

However, after dismissing reports linking them with AC Milan's Ronaldinho, Rovers gave also emerged as contenders for his signature.

"We are close to signing two, possibly three, although the third is the outsider," Rovers boss Steve Kean told Lancashire Evening Telegraph. "Hopefully talks can continue and with someone like Beckham, someone will get a good player if he comes over here. And if he does come back to this country, he is someone we would be interested in."

Redknapp has been keen to stress the on-field benefits of signing Beckham although the deal would undoubtedly bring in huge revenue off the pitch thanks to the midfielder's worldwide iconic status. Should Beckham's loan move to White Hart Lane go through, he will be hoping to catch the eye of Capello, who has overlooked the former skipper since October 2009.

The spokesperson continued: "The loan is part of David's desire to keep fit and make himself available for England again."

If Beckham moves to Spurs, he could line up against former employers Milan, with the north London outfit set to play the Italians in the first leg of the last-16 Champions League tie at the San Siro next month.

Redknapp also revealed Beckham singled out Spurs as the club he wanted to join after the player had a conversation with the Tottenham boss' son, Jamie, about the possibility of a move.

Beckham is thought to like Spurs' attacking style but former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp said on Sunday he thought a deal was unlikely.

"I don't think it will happen," the 37-year-old told Sky Sports. "Dad likes him but I don't think it will happen. There are too many obstacles."