"His priority is to see his dad and that is his first concern," said Beckham"s spokesman.

The 32-year-old footballer looked sombre as he arrived at Heathrow airport, wearing a brown leather shirt, white T-shirt, jeans and sunglasses, with a bag over his shoulder.

Beckham, who is married to former "Posh" Spice Girl Victoria Adams, moved to California in July when he left Spanish giants Real Madrid to join the LA Galaxy club.

Beckham"s wife was not with him when he traveled back overnight, but was expected back in London on Friday after cutting short a trip to Japan, Beckham"s spokesman said.

The Sun newspaper"s website reported that Beckham"s father suffered a heart attack at home and had to be resuscitated by paramedics in the ambulance on the way to hospital.

A hospital source quoted by the newspaper added: "Ted was in a bad way and actually died on his way to hospital. The paramedics managed to bring him back."

"He was further stabilized in hospital before being transferred," the source said.

Beckham"s contract in California is worth a potential 250 million dollars over five years in endorsements and other promotion sales and has provided a marketing boost for a US league in need of something to lure supporters.

His father"s health scare is the latest blow for Beckham.