Zinédine Zidane could be about to come out of retirement and join David Beckham at the Los Angeles Galaxy. Alexi Lalas, the Galaxy general manager, confirmed late on Thursday that negotiations had been opened that could result in the former Real Madrid and France midfield player, who retired after the World Cup final last year, resuming his career in Major League Soccer.

“We have been in contact with his folks,” Lalas said. “Everything is very preliminary. If it happens, that would be wonderful — not just for the Galaxy, but also for our league. And I think he would really enjoy the opportunity, because he is competitive and he wants to win. He’s a great player and he doesn’t want to sit in the French countryside drinking wine.