Beckham exit signals generation change at Real Madrid

MADRID, Jan 12 (Reuters) David Beckham's decision to leave Real Madrid signals the start of a rejuvenation of the club's squad, with Ronaldo likely to be the next player to leave.

A summit meeting on Monday between coach Fabio Capello, sporting director Predrag Mijatovic and president Ramon Calderon appears to have set the wheels in motion after a poor run of form saw Real lose three of their last four league matches.

''The coach has told me that it seems as though we need a radical change,'' Calderon told radio station Cadena Ser today.

Capello's decision to leave Beckham, Ronaldo, Antonio Cassano and Michel Salgado out of the squad for Thursday's King's Cup match away to Real Betis was heralded in the press as a calculated move in a new direction.

Calderon appeared to back those assertions.

''The coach has shown that he believes some of the players of the old guard are surplus to requirements. Among those were Beckham,'' Calderon added.

''I have told Capello I have absolute confidence in him. He is very capable and has a great curriculum.'' Out-of-favour Brazilian striker Ronaldo would appear to be the next player to be joining Beckham at the exit in the near future.

''At the moment there is nothing new in Ronaldo's possible move to another club. There are negotiations but there is plenty of time before January 31,'' he said.

Press speculation has linked Ronaldo with moves to Italy, Saudi Arabia and to the United States.

Real brought experienced players in the summer such as Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, Brazilian midfielder Emerson and Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro with the idea of winning something quickly after three trophyless seasons.

Their purchase of little known youngsters Marcelo, Gonzalo Higuain and Fernando Gago for January was the second phase of a longer term plan to rejuvenate the squad.

But with performances flagging it appears that process has been accelerated to prevent another barren year. Rather than an experiment, Thursday's unfamiliar line-up could have been the shape of things to come.

Capello's plan could prove frustrating for the likes of those discarded such as Beckham.

He may be forced to watch from the sidelines over the last six months of his contract while the youngsters are blooded and may wish he had moved now rather than in June.

REUTERS PDS BD1845