But a spokesman for Beckham said the player was contracted to Los Angeles Galaxy for five years and would not be going to another club on any basis.

The spokesman said: "There will be no loan moves or short-term contracts. He is under contract to the Galaxy."

A national newspaper claimed that Roy Keane has sounded out the England star about a six-month loan switch to the Stadium of Light.

Beckham was in England last week to see his ill father, Ted, who suffered a heart attack, and reports say the Sunderland boss was in touch with the player's representatives in a bid to push through a deal.

The suggestion is that at the end of the MLS close season, which starts next month, Beckham could use his time at Sunderland to get ready for Steve McClaren's England squad ahead of Euro 2008.

Keane was unavailable for comment today.

But evidence from the most senior sources at the club would indicate there is absolutely nothing in the claims.

Certainly no approaches have been made to Beckham's American club LA Galaxy.

And Galaxy have previously indicated they would not entertain the idea of a loan back to England while he is under contract to them.

As well as the fact that Sunderland have not enquired about his availability, there must also be question marks over whether Beckham's wife Victoria would entertain a switch from the freeways of Los Angeles for the A19 or the delights of Rodeo Drive for the enticement of Fawcett Street.

And after Keane aired his views about players' attitudes to their WAGS, it would be remarkable if he considered the prospect of bringing the Beckham roadshow to Wearside as a good thing.