Australia captain Lucas Neill has urged A-League clubs to show extreme caution in their pursuit of David Beckham.
The LA Galaxy midfielder, and former Manchester United superstar, continues to be heavily linked with a potential move down under after calling time on his MLS career (which finishes after the MLS Cup final on December 1) but Neill feels it may not be worthwhile.
The former West Ham United and Blackburn Rovers skipper, who currently plays for UAE Pro-League club Al Wasl, has spoken out about the desire of Australian teams to recruit Beckham, saying that perhaps the competition should focus on local talent rather than spending cash on another big-name player.
"I don't think [A-League] clubs should throw everything at him," said Neill.
"There are two ways to look at it; throw everything at one player, or do you look at the youth coming through the ranks and introduce players who could well be the next Harry Kewell, the next Tim Cahill or Mark Viduka?
"That's the situation. Do you think for the very short-term or do you go long-term.
"It is a tough one, I know, but I don't think the game needs much more profile.
"The game has Shinji Ono, Alessandro Del Piero, Emile Heskey and they've brought with them a great wave of excitement.
"David Beckham would, of course, add to that and help carry it through to January-February, but I think the performance of the game is enough to maintain the excitement and the hype.
"The talk of David Beckham coming is great, even though I think we're only a 10 per cent chance of getting him.
"But it's wonderful to think Australia is at a stage where we can try to attract people of his calibre it is something to be proud of."
