The world's richest player announced at the weekend he could be ready to invest in the game once his glittering career is over.

And, with a personal fortune estimated at around £100m, North End say they would be happy to talk to the superstar who made his Football League debut as a teenager on loan at Deepdale.

"We all remember David and I'm sure he remembers the time he spent here – even though it was only a month," said Shaw.

"If he has still got our phone number then we'd be delighted to hear from him.

"We have always made it clear that we would be prepared to talk to anyone who has a genuine interest in this club and would like to invest.

"I know David has spoken well of Preston North End over the years. And if he is looking for a club to get involved in, then what better club than the one he made his league debut for?"

Preston pulled off a major coup in 1995 when manager Gary Peters persuaded Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson to allow Beckham out on loan.

The 19-year-old came to Deepdale in March on what North End hoped would be a three-month stay to help win promotion from the old Third Division via the play-offs.

He scored on his debut – direct from a corner – after coming on as a second half substitute against Doncaster Rovers in a 2-2 draw at Deepdale.

He started the next four games against Fulham, Bury, Exeter and Lincoln and was not on the losing side throughout that month.

But United recalled him at the start of April to go straight into their first team and, while Preston were beaten in the play-offs, Beckham's rocket ride to fame and fortune had blasted off.

Despite his meteoric rise, the winger kept a close eye on North End's fortunes, showing up in the crowd at Leyton Orient the following season to cheer the side on to the title.

His parents Ted and Sandra were made to feel so welcome at Deepdale that they even attended Preston games after their son had returned to United.

Now after a career spanning 10 years at Old Trafford, four seasons with Real Madrid and 104 England caps, Beckham lives in Beverly Hills and plays for LA Galaxy in America's Major League Soccer.

In an interview with FourFourTwo magazine to be released next month, the 33-year-old says: "I always like to challenge myself and I always like to have different things to look forward to in life.

"There are things I would like to be part of and if that means being an owner of a franchise or a club then I would like to."

And he adds: "I don't want to be a manager. I'll never be a manager. But the idea of club ownership is one that appeals."

It is already being suggested Beckham may stay in the USA after his retirement and put his money into an MLS franchise.

But if he decides to return to Britain to invest then the club which launched his league career is keen to talk.

"It is very hard for us to compete at the top end of this division with clubs who can attract double the crowds we can," said Shaw.
"We are always open to approaches if the people making them have the best interests of Preston North End at heart.

"And I'm sure that would be the case with David.

"I haven't had a call from him so far, but the phone's on just in case he rings later today."