LONDON — Soccer star David Beckham and his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria, denied new tabloid allegations that their marriage is strained.

A spokeswoman for the couple said Saturday that the story, in early editions of the Sunday Mirror, was "rubbish" and that a lawyer was looking at the story for possible legal action.

The Sunday Mirror reported that Victoria Beckham threatened to walk out on her marriage unless her husband moves back to Britain from Spain, where he plays for Real Madrid. The newspaper said a trial separation had been discussed. The couple have two young sons.

It is not the first newspaper report of trouble in the four-year-old marriage.

In late September the pair issued a statement rebutting a report in the News of the World tabloid.

"Contrary to newspaper reports, our marriage is not in crisis," they said in a statement issued at the time by their management company, Outside Organization.

"Since we first met, our careers have always meant we have spent time apart. This is not a reflection on the strength of our marriage and we are very much enjoying our new life in Spain."