David Beckham yet to confirm Miami as chosen city for Major League Soccer franchise

The former England captain also jokes that Sir Alex Ferguson was in-line to be his manager until his autobiography was released

David Beckham (Getty Images)

David Beckham was not ready to confirm Miami as the future home for his proposed Major League Soccer franchise, although he did rule out Sir Alex Ferguson as his first manager - albeit jokingly.

The former England star was speaking at the launch of his new book 'David Beckham' but dodged questions that he had made a final decision to base his franchise in Miami.

However that is understood to be the case, with Beckham said to be agreeing a $25m deal to launch a team from Florida - although MLS would have to confirm things before he could go ahead.

When Beckham first signed for LA Galaxy in 2007, there was a clause in his contract allowing him to become a franchise owner after retirement.

The former Manchester United man said that Miami was on the list of locations he was considering, but he refused to confirm it as the final choice.

"It (owning a franchise) is something that I was very interested in when I signed a contract with the LA Galaxy six or seven years ago," Beckham said.

"My manager got a clause in my contract at the time to enable me to have a franchise at the end of my playing career and now I have obviously stopped playing.

"A year ago I had a look around. Miami was one of the places, but we have looked at others too.

"It is exciting. I am passionate about staying in football.

"Being an owner of a team is something that I'm passionate about."

One of Beckham's first choices as an owner would be selecting a manager for his side although he has already ruled out Sir Alex Ferguson - joking that the recent book revelations were to blame.

"It's funny, he was one of the first names I was going to call up to be manager. I'm not so sure now," he said.

"All joking aside I wouldn't want to be negative about Sir Alex.

"He gave me the chance to live my dream."