David Beckham is hoping that both Liverpool striker Michael Owen and Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira will soon join him at Real Madrid and help the side bounce back from the disappointments of last season.

"With Vieira and Owen we would improve a lot," the England captain told Spanish sports daily AS on Friday. "Having two players like them in our team would help us a great deal and we'd be much stronger.

"You have to remember that they are two of the best players in the world and they would add extra quality to any team."

Spanish media reported on Friday that Real were poised to close a deal with Liverpool which would see England striker Owen join the club for 12 million euros ($14.71 million) while second string midfielder Antonio Nunez would move in the opposite direction.

But the Madrid-based sports dailies said the deal to sign Vieira was on hold after Arsenal had upped the asking price for the French international to 38 million euros.

Beckham said whatever the state of the negotiations it appeared both players were keen to join Real.

"We have to have respect for both Arsenal and Liverpool, but if the players decide to leave -- and that seems to be the case -- then I hope they come to Real Madrid where they will find themselves very welcome."

Real ended last season without a trophy for the first time in five years, finishing a disappointing fourth in the Primera Liga and ending their campaign with a worst-ever five match losing streak.

They were forced to go into the qualifying round for this season's Champions League, but enjoy a 2-0 lead after the first leg of their tie against Wisla Krakow.