Calderon says Real Madrid offered Beckham an extension

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MADRID, Spain (Ticker) - Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon remains hopeful that David Beckham will remain with the team. One of the most popular players in the world, Beckham has expressed his frustration with being relegated to the bench this season under new coach Fabio Capello and may be sold by the team in January's transfer window. However, Calderon revealed on Wednesday that the Spanish giants want to retain the former English captain. "We have offered a contract extension to Beckham," Calderon said. "I have spoken to him personally. He is happy here, with his children's school, the climate ... but he is not playing and he wants to wait a little. "He represents the claw, the (fighting) spirit of the club. I would like him to continue here." Real Madrid bought Beckham from Manchester United in 2003 and signed him to a four-year, $41 million contract. The deal expires this summer. But it appears that the 31-year-old midfielder has no future with the Galacticos under Capello, especially since the club continues to add players. Teenage defender Marcelo was unveiled by the team on Tuesday and will definitely be moving to the Spanish capital. Calderon also revealed Madrid had reached agreements to bring Gonzalo Higuain and Fernando Gago to the club. The only question to be resolved is when River Plate striker Higuain, 18, and Boca Juniors midfielder Gago, 20, come to the club - be it in January or next summer. "Both (Higuain and Gago) have reached an agreement with us," Calderon said. "The question is do they come in June or January. We want them to come in January and they also want that."