London, September 21: The fairytale marriage of England soccer captain David Beckham and his pop star wife Victoria has hit trouble but a split is not imminent, a tabloid claimed today.

Quoting a friend, the News of the World stated: “There are real tensions in the marriage for the first time. The family hope they can be resolved before it gets out of control.”

According to the report, in calls to friends, David has confided his fears over the simmering differences with his wife.

He told one mate: “I love her more than anything but things are ropey at the moment. “It’s as if at times we are leading separate lives.”

Beckham is fed up that Posh is not with him more as he makes his new life in spain. She spends on an average just two days a week at his side. He is lonely as he spends solitary nights in his five star hotel. He is distraught that he cannot see more of the sons he dotes on, Brooklyn, four and Romeo, one. According to the report, the pal said: “There are pressures and David is feeling it hard because it is the first time there have been the slightest differences between him and Victoria. But a split is not imminent.” While Becks wows the fans at new club Real Madrid, posh is resisting moving to Spain to join him full time.

Victoria’s trips to New York to record a new album have caused more friction.

“I’m so lonely,” Becks told his mate. “It’s very difficult trying to speak to her because of the time differences. “I don’t know why she needs to be away that often. I don’t know what to do. It puts me in an awkward situation.

“I’m worried about the boys. I know our parents help all the time but all that travelling must tire them out.”

Friends say 28-year-old David is insisting that the family set up a home in Madrid - but Victoria, 29, is equally keen to stay in England. “We weren’t always in Manchester with you,” she is said to have told him. “Why should Madrid be different?”