Beckham For Mackems - The Latest Twist!

However a spokesman for David Beckham has denied a report linking the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder with a short-term switch to Sunderland.

The Daily Mirror reported on Tuesday that Black Cats boss was keen to tempt the former England captain to move to Wearside during the MLS' close season.

But, Beckham's spokesman told PA Sport: "There will be no loan moves or short-term contracts. He is under contract to the Galaxy."

Former England captainBeckham has played just five games for the club since his summer switch from Real Madrid.

He currently has a knee injury although his absence has coincided with Galaxy making a late run for the play-offs.

Former England striker Teddy Sheringham has also revealed that Sunderland boss Roy Keane tried to sign him.

Speaking in the Sunday times he said: "Yeah, it was quite weird. It was that conversation I had with (West Ham manager Alan) Curbishley ... I said, 'Well, if you won't let me go to Charlton, where will you let me go?'

"And he said, 'Well, I've had no phone calls about you ... I had one phone call when I first got the job and I told them you weren't available'.

"I said, 'Who was that, if you don't mind me asking?' He said, 'Well, Keaney was asking about you going up to Sunderland'. I said, 'Really? Bloody hell!'"

Sheringham, who now plays for Colchester United in The Championship, was then asked about Roy Keane's comments about WAGs putting players off joining the Black Cats.

He said: "Of course it's a valid point. It's a fantastic point. The question he is asking is: what do they want to do with their life? Do they want to be footballers or coast along?

"Do they want to play for a fantastic football club like Sunderland? Or do they want to wait round for a club in London so they can go shopping on days off?"

Sunderland are also asking for witnesses to an attack at Middlesbrough on Saturday September 22nd (the Tees-Wear derby) to come forward.

A 37-year-old Sunderland fan was attacked as he left the Abel Crane Car Park on Halyard Way at 2pm before the match.