Capello says Beckham could win golden ball

AS Roma coach Fabio Capello believes David Beckham is a strong candidate for the 2001 European Player of the Year award.

The Manchester United midfielder's form since being given the England captaincy has attracted many admirers and Capello admitted to being one of them.

"I like Beckham. He has grown a lot as a player," Capello was quoted as saying by Italian news agency ANSA on Monday.

Capello, who has been tipped to become Sir Alex Ferguson's successor as manager of Manchester United, also reaffirmed his commitment to Roma.

He said: "I'm flattered to be linked with such an important club but now I am thinking only of Roma."

Capello said his personal choice for the golden ball, awarded annually by French magazine France Football, would be Real Madrid forward Raul.

"I would give it to Raul for what he has won in his career with Real," he said.

Eleven French players are on the list of 50 nominees, which has not yet been officially released.

Roma striker Francesco Totti has been tipped as a leading contender, but Capello said: "I don't want to talk about Totti because my opinion would be biased."

The winner of the prestigious award, won last year by Portugal's Real Madrid forward Luis Figo, will be announced the week before Christmas following a poll of journalists.