David Beckham's Hollywood ambitions are on the verge of being realised. The England captain is expected to have a part in Goal! - the first episode in a football trilogy that has American backing. Lawrence Bender, who will produce the films with Mike Jefferies and Matt Barrelle, has won Oscars for Pulp Fiction and Good Will Hunting.

"They are close to agreeing a deal with Beckham," said a source close to the production team. With a budget of £30m for the first instalment, Goal! represents the best funded and most determined attempt to bring football drama before a global cinema audience.

Jefferies pitches the film as "Rocky meets 8 Mile." The script for the first episode sees a young Latino from Los Angeles coming to prove himself in the Premiership. The only location problem for the producers lies in deciding which club to use as a setting.

Three members of the Premiership seem to be in the running. Manchester United have taken a keen interest and Chelsea are now reported to be eager to land the part.

But Newcastle United continue to be frontrunners in this competition, even if they are not faring as well in the Premiership. The chairman, Freddy Shepherd, flew to Los Angeles for discussions in the summer. Apart from the appeal of the Tyneside setting, commercial aspects are working in the club's favour.

The trilogy is to be closely tied to the sportswear industry and Newcastle's association with Adidas may prove fortunate. The producers will maintain the connection with a single kit manufacturer throughout the series and there would be ideal product placement in the second episode if Beckham makes another appearance in the colours of Real Madrid, who are also tied to Adidas.

The midfielder's previous club Manchester United have a kit deal with Nike, while Chelsea are linked to Umbro. In an era where film-making often entails cooperation with big companies, Adidas are well-placed.