David Beckham to visit Miami as he mulls site of MLS franchise

David Beckham and American Airlines Arena in Miami
David Beckham and American Airlines Arena in Miami

Soccer star David Beckham plans to visit Miami this week to scout prospective locations for a new Major League Soccer team, Reuters reported.

He is slated to meet with Bolivian billionaire and Miami resident Marcelo Claure. Beckham, who played for L.A. Galaxy, has an option to develop a franchise for the North American league. Claure and Beckham hoped to attend the Miami Heat’s NBA playoff game against the Indiana Pacers tomorrow, the news service said.

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The Fort Lauderdale-based Miami Fusion joined the league in 1998. MLS shut the team down after four seasons, along with the Tampa Bay Mutiny.

MLS commissioner Don Garber has often expressed interest in returning to the southeastern U.S. and has discussed with possible ownership groups in Orlando and Atlanta. [Reuters]Mark Maurer