BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes last night admitted he may consider entering the race to sign former England captain David Beckham.

Beckham, 31, could leave Real Madrid in the January transfer window after growing frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities under new boss Fabio Capello.

That would spark a likely stampede among some of the Premiership's top clubs, and Hughes has hinted he would be interested in joining the scramble for his services, providing any deal was financially viable.

"I think everybody would be interested in David Beckham," said the Rovers boss, whose side face Manchester United in the Premiership tomorrow.

"You have to cut your cloth accordingly and I am sure if he came on the open market - and there was an indication that Real Madrid were happy to let them go - there would be a few people in the queue for him.

"He is an exceptional talent and has been for a long time."

Beckham's star may have waned since he quit Manchester United for the Bernabeu three years ago, but he's still coveted by a number of clubs in England and abroad.

Major League team Los Angeles Galaxy have already expressed an interest in signing the Madrid ace, whose present contract expires at the end of the season.

And Hughes is one of several Premiership bosses who may also consider making a move, although the Welshman admitted he would need to use all his powers of persuasion to tempt him to Ewood Park.

"Everybody considers top class players," said the Rovers chief, who has an impressive track record of pulling off major transfer coups, having previously landed Craig Bellamy and Benni McCarthy.

"We have thrown our hat into the ring for big-name players in the past - whether we do so on this occasion I will keep to myself.

"When you are doing your fantasy football team, he (Beckham) may well be in mind.

"But whether you can physically get him through the door is another thing.

"He is a big talent and a world-wide star, and those kinds of players come at a premium."

Hughes has not made signing Beckham a priority at this stage, but the fact he has an open mind about the possibility is a sign of the direction in which he wishes to take the club.

He added: "I have got to look at the strength of the team as a whole.

"Obviously, quality players like David coming onto the market would interest anybody, but it may be the right player at the wrong time."

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