Sven-Goran Eriksson reveals attempt to sign David Beckham

Beckham has been linked with various clubs, including Everton (GETTY IMAGES)

Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed he made an audacious attempt to lure former England captain David Beckham to Leicester.

The club's ambitious new owners are ready to back the Swede in the January transfer window, with a number of big name players linked with the npower Championship side.

Beckham, who skippered his country under Eriksson during his spell in charge of the national side, Tottenham striker Robbie Keane and Manchester City's Roque Santa Cruz were all reported to be on Eriksson's radar.

The Leicester manager confirmed he made an initial enquiry about Beckham but was given short shrift by his representatives. And Eriksson accepts the club need to be in the Premier League if he is to bring in the players he has been targeting.

Eriksson told Sky Sports: "The owners want a big signing. It is interesting the players that have been mentioned. I made phone calls to more or less all of them.

"Most of them, they don't really want to come to our league. If we get to the Premier League it will be much easier to get these players. But we are trying and the owners are happy to back me.

"If you talk about Beckham, of course I should take Beckham but I don't think he will go anywhere. I spoke to his agent to see if there was a small chance, but he said it was not possible."