Report: David Beckham closer to MLS franchise in Miami

Daily Mail reports announcement could be made before Christmas

MIAMI ā€“ David Beckham is closer to putting his Major League Soccer franchise in Miami, according to the Daily Mail.

When Beckham signed with the LA Galaxy in 2007, his contract gave him the option to purchase a MLS franchise at a discount.

According to the Daily Mail, the former England captain could announce the franchise before Christmas once his co-investors are picked. Those include Marcelo Claure, who toured several sites with Beckham in June; Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross; and, American Idol creator Simon Fuller.

The Daily Mail says the most likely home for the team is Florida International University's stadium in Miami. On Monday, Alessandro Butini, a former partner at The Children's Investment, told the Ultras Alive Show that he had partnered with architecture students at the University of Miami to design a soccer-specific stadium for downtown Miami.