Hammers express Becks interest

West Ham co-owner David Gold wants to launch an ambitious attempt to lure star midfielder David Beckham to the club.

Gold believes Beckham - currently recuperating from a ruptured Achilles tendon - would be interested in a move that would mark a return to his London roots.

The 34-year-old was born in Leytonstone and Gold says a switch would give the former Manchester United man the opportunity to act as an "ambassador" for the club.

Gianfranco Zola's side are currently battling to beat the Premier League drop, however their owner reckons the club could offer an end to his seven-year absence from the top flight of English football.

Beckham is contracted to LA Galaxy but has spent time on loan with Serie A outfit AC Milan in a bid to force his way into the England squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa.

The tendon injury sustained while on duty with the Italian side has sidelined the former Three Lions skipper for several months, ending his World Cup dreams - although Gold wants to be in the running to snare his signature should Beckham consider a return England.

The former Birmingham chief told the News of the World: "David keeps on showing he still has so much to offer and if he's available then we want to be bidding.

"It's not only a case of what he can do on the pitch but what he does off it - he'd be a sensational ambassador for his home-town club.

"He's a local boy like the two owners and this could appeal to him.

"It's not fanciful as he has so much to offer. His arrival would be massive."