David and Victoria Beckham are first in line to buy George Clooney's lakeside Italian home, it was reported today.

The Oceans Eleven star is friendly with the glamour couple spent several days at the villa as his guests last year while David was on loan to Serie A giants AC Milan.

Today Italian newspapers reported that Beckham had told friends:'I have fallen in love with the beautiful countryside.

'It's peaceful, quiet and near Milan. It would be great for the family.'

Up for sale: David Beckham is bidding to spend millions on buying Hollywood star George Clooney's lakeside home in Italy

Dream home: An aerial view of the George Clooney's stunning villa in Laglio, on Lake Como

Clooney is said to be fed up with locals and photographers hanging about outside the gates to picturesque 30 room Villa Oleandra which he bought in 2002 for £10 million.

However Becks may have a tough battle as Russian vodka billionaire Tariko Roustam, 47, has also set his sights on the villa and is said to have offered an amazing £30 million - ten more than the asking price.

Counter-bid: Russian vodka billionaire Tariko Roustam is also in the running

However leading Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera said that ''negotiations' involving Beckham were at an advanced stage and he was favourite to snap up the property.

Money is no object for the businessman who is among the most successful in Russia and who launched the country's top selling Russian Standard vodka label in 1998.

He also expanded into selling Italian chocolates in Russia and as a result his empire sis said to be worth $1.1 billion making him the world's 647th richest man, according to Forbes.

It said that two Milan based lawyers representing him had been involved in talks with Swiss based firm Alessandro Proto Consulting who are dealing with the sale on behalf of Clooney.

Mr Proto, who is based in Chiasso, Switzerland, said:'We are not in charge of the actual sale but of finding suitable clients, the sale will be handled by an American real estate company.'

Property prices around Laglio have shot up since Clooney bought the villa at Laglio on Lake Como and which has it's own private jetty into the water, swimming pool, gym, tennis courts and beautifully manicured gardens.

Ocean's two: Clooney and Italian TV presenter girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis seen together riding on a speed boat on the lake last summer

Sea view: Clooney bought Villa L'Oleandra, a 17th waterside mansion, in the Italian town of Laglio in 2002

Before he arrived properties around Laglio, which is also close to the homes of Donatella Versace and Jose Mourinho, were selling at 1000 Euro per square metre and now they have rocketed to 10,000 Euro.

Today Laglio's mayor Roberto Pozzi said: 'It would be a shame if George went because he has become one of the locals and we have grown fond of him. Everyone has seen him when he comes over and he is always friendly

'I know the Beckhams stayed at the villa last spring but I never saw them - if George does leave then I hope the Beckhams do but the place as it will keep a touch of glamour in Laglio.'

Beckham, who is beck at AC Milan until the summer, is living in suite at a luxury Milan hotel and today his spokesperson Simon Oliveira was unavailable to comment on the report.

Meanwhile another Italian newspaper reported that Clooney is set to buy himself an island.

The actor is said to have fallen in love with Loreto Island, Pisogne town, near Como, after he visited the area last year with girlfriend Elisabetta.