The New York Times reported on Tuesday that David Beckham and his management team are in talks with Impact owner Joey Saputo to co-own a Montreal MLS franchise. The New York Times reported on Tuesday that David Beckham and his management team are in talks with Impact owner Joey Saputo to co-own a Montreal MLS franchise. (Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images)

Even though David Beckham is reportedly interested in becoming a co-owner of a Montreal MLS franchise, both the league and Impact are keeping quiet on the subject.

The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Beckham and his management team are in talks with Impact owner Joey Saputo to co-own a Montreal MLS franchise.

But an Impact club spokesman called the report "rumours," and "we are not commenting on that."

But Saputo confirmed to the Times last week that he indeed was approached by a group of potential partners some two months ago, but didn't say who they were.

The MLS also downplayed the Times report.

"While we have recently had preliminary discussions with the Saputo family about future MLS expansion into Montreal, Major League Soccer has not had any discussions with David Beckham or his representatives regarding ownership of an expansion team in Montreal," MLS senior vice-president Dan Courtemanche said in a release.

"MLS commissioner Don Garber and president Mark Abbott expect to travel to Montreal prior to the end of the year to discuss expansion with Joey Saputo. However, MLS has not yet set a timetable for expansion beyond Portland and Vancouver's entry into the league in 2011."

Indications are that Montreal is the frontrunner to land an MLS team in 2012, with or without Beckham, and the deal hinges on whether or not the Impact's Saputo Stadium can be upgraded.

The stadium currently seats 13,000, and the team is awaiting word on a request to the Quebec government for $25 million towards an upgrade to 21,000 seats, which would be ready for the 2012 season.

Montreal was a leading candidate to join the league in 2011, but the Impact balked at the $40-million US expansion fee.

An Impact transition to the MLS will mean it will follow USL rival Vancouver into the fold. The Whitecaps begin MLS play in 2011 along with Portland. Philadelphia will enter the league next season.

With files from The Canadian Press