Stalker's bid to bribe Becks' bodyguards

David Beckham is being stalked by an obsessed Kiwi fan.

The football superstar's team of personal bodyguards has been put on alert after the man approached guards and tried to buy their security passes, saying he was "destined" to meet Beckham.

Gibson Security, the outfit hired to protect Beckham during his four-day stay in New Zealand, told Sunday News last night that they were treating the man as a potential risk to the LA Galaxy and England midfield sensation's safety.

"We have identified the individual you are talking about and we are keeping an eye on him," Gibson Security spokesman Daniel Wynyard said.

He said guards had been sent a description of the man and told to keep him away from Beckham at all times.

When asked if they were taking the stalker seriously, he replied: "Absolutely."

Wynyard would not comment further but one of Beckham's personal guards revealed the stalker had approached several security officers in the hope of gaining access to the capital's waterfront Copthorne Hotel.

The star has been staying there during the build-up to last night's exhibition match against the Wellington Phoenix.

"He came up to me and told me how he was destined to meet David Beckham and then asked if he could buy my security pass for $100," said the minder.

"He's approached quite a few of the guys he's clearly out of his mind.

"He is positive that David wants to meet with him. He's deluded."

The guard one of several private Beckham bodyguards said security had been put on alert about the crazed fan.

"The reality is that no one is going to throw their career away for $100, but we also have to make sure that he doesn't slip into the hotel some other way," he said.

The security surrounding Beckham's visit to New Zealand to play in last night's friendly game has been tight. Beckham is flanked by at least two bodyguards whenever he is not in his hotel room, overlooking the Wellington harbour. Guards have also been stationed in the hotel lobby, bar and parking area.

"We have to ensure that he is properly covered at all times," the minder said.

Whenever Beckham leaves the hotel, he travels either in the team bus, surrounded by SUVs laden with guards, or as part of a convoy in his hired 2007 Audi S8 V10.

"It's brand new. In fact I think it's the only one in New Zealand. We know that we have everything covered with this car. Technically it has the same engine as a Formula One racing car." the minder said.

Beckham mania has erupted in New Zealand since the man they dubbed "Golden Balls" touched down into Wellington airport with his LA Galaxy teammates on Thursday.

The charismatic footballer attracted more than 15,000 children to an open training session at Westpac Stadium on Friday. The youngsters shouted, chanted and created Mexican waves for most of the two-hour session.

David Beckham, who reportedly earns $1 million a week with the American football side, has also set Kiwi female fans' hearts fluttering.

And hearts were in mouths when he scored from a penalty in the 72nd minute of the Galaxy's 4-1 win last night.

Source: stuff.co.nz