By Danny Wood BBC correspondent in Madrid

Real fans are divided about the Beckham deal

"He's a great player but Real Madrid has so many great players, what's one more".

That's the view of a Madrid taxi driver and many Real fans.

An internet poll on the website of the national newspaper El Mundo has assessed the view of more than 2,000 football fans.

Little more than 50% responded positively to the question: "Are you happy that Real Madrid have signed David Beckham?"

Beckham 'not solution'

There are a few reasons for this.

Ardent football fans don't think David Beckham can solve their club's one weakness - defence.

Find out who pays David Beckham what Enlarge image

"Beckham isn't the solution. We need a midfielder who can defend," continues the taxi driver.

"It's marketing, all about marketing and getting the Asian market," says Antonio.

Real Madrid fans love the success of their team but many older fans regret the fact that business is so integral to modern football and the fundamental reason for the signing of the Manchester United and England star.

'Great signing'

But younger fans are very excited about Beckham's imminent arrival.

Beckham will be playing in the star-studded team

"He's a great signing. I think he's fantastic," says Mario.

"He's one of my favourite footballers. I work just around the corner from the Real Madrid stadium. I hope to see a lot of him," says Francisco.

And it's not just David Beckham that some locals are looking forward to.

Whilst serving lunch, one waiter told me, "I'm much happier that Mrs Beckham is coming."

In the limelight

Celebrity television is hugely popular here, and programmes like Mamma Mia are eagerly anticipating the arrival of both Beckhams.

Both Beckhams will find themselves a real focus of attention in Spain

As the Beckham deal loomed, Mrs Beckham has found herself a real focus of attention here for the first time since her days as a Spice Girl.

Hours of television are built around chasing famous Spaniards and their relatives, cameras and microphones bouncing for the latest gossip.

It's very difficult to escape tabloid television if you are tuning in during the middle of the evening.