David Beckham has been given the option of buying Major League Soccer's 20th team, MLS commissioner Don Garber said.

Beckham, 34, on Friday reiterated his desire to become an MLS team owner having had the right to invest in a future franchise included in his contract when he signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.

MLS currently has 15 teams with Philadelphia joining in 2010 followed by Portland and Vancouver in 2011.

Montreal lead the chase to become the league's 19th team and as Beckham took part in the league-title deciding MLS Cup final on Sunday, Garber said: "David has the option for our 20th team and that option can't be exercised until after 2011 or after he stops playing.

"So we've got some time to figure that one out."

MLS has strict guidelines on who can buy one of its franchises, not least a USD 40million expansion fee and meeting the league's guidelines on a suitable stadium.

Garber underlined that point when he said Montreal's bid was still some way off being acceptable.

"The ownership group is here (in Seattle) and we've spent some time meeting them this weekend and we're making progress.

"We hope to have a 19th team in the league by 2012 and Montreal is the leading candidate there but we've got some work to do.

"Most importantly, their stadium needs to be renovated, needs to be expanded and it's probably not suitable for an MLS team today."