The Beckhams are suing their former nanny for breach of confidence after she told a newspaper that the couple's six-year marriage was on the rocks, reports Ireland Online.

The Real Madrid footballer and his wife, who are together in Madrid, have decided to launch legal proceedings against Abbie Gibson and the newspaper, News of the World, which is already the subject of legal proceedings over David Beckham's alleged affair with personal secretary Rebecca Loos.

Sources close to the couple say they feel betrayed and have been distressed by the allegations. Gibson had claimed that Beckham and wife Victoria rowed constantly and that he had threatened to leave her after verbally abusing her.

But mother-of-three Victoria has slammed the rumours, insisting that the couple's relationship is stronger than ever. She is reportedly planning a lavish party for her husband's 30th birthday at their Madrid mansion.

"The Beckhams will be commencing legal proceedings against their former nanny, Abbie Gibson, for breach of confidence," their spokesman said.

"They will also be applying to the courts to amend their outstanding action commenced last year against the News of the World to include all of these issues by way of seeking aggravated damages."