VIDEO: LeBron James eyes Beckham Miami tie-up

NBA superstar LeBron James has had ''preliminary talks'' with David Beckham about investing in a proposed MLS franchise in Miami.

Former England captain Beckham is interested in taking control of a start-up club and visited possible locations in Miami last week.

Beckham is entitled to purchase an expansion franchise for a cut-price $25million due to a clause in the deal that took him to Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.

And James, the four-time NBA MVP, is keen to get on board.

''There's some interest on both sides,'' said the Miami Heat superstar, who already has a small ownership stake in the English club Liverpool through his involvement with Fenway Sports Management.

''David has become a good friend of mine over the last few years. And I think it would be great for this city to have a football club for sure. So there's interest on both sides but it's preliminary talks. But there (is) some open dialogue.''

James added: ''The research is still being made out. I think it could be huge. But you never know. I think this is a great town for soccer.

"There's a lot of soccer players, there's great youth soccer players here and people love the city as well. So that definitely would help.''