London, Oct 21 : Soccer ace David Beckham and his wife Victoria's nine-year marriage is said to be going through a rough patch.

According to pals, the couple now spends so much time trying to keep their celebrity 'stock' high that it is piling more pressure on their already-stretched relationship.

David's England football ambitions and Posh's American dream means the couple is spending long periods apart and when they do get together, they seem even more glum than normal, pals added.

Earlier this month, the 33-year-old footballer admitted: "We have quite a lot of pressure, honestly, as a couple."

Pals fear that turmoil over his desire to continue his England career could be the "straw, which breaks the camel's back".

According to sources, David is desperate to return to Europe but Posh is keen on staying in the States to fulfil her dreams.

The reason behind their gloom is David's proposed loan deal with a top Italian or Spanish side this winter, sources claim.

"David has to move back to Europe if he wants to continue to play international football," the Daily Star quoted a source, as saying.

"Victoria still believes they can make it big in America, but she fears a move back to Europe could kill off their Hollywood future for ever," the source added.

ANI