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16/06/2003
Laporta backtracks firing more Becks speculation
The Beckham transfer rumour mill has more spin than one of the Number 7's trademark freekicks, but none of the accuracy, as Barcelona's new president Joan Laporta today denied that he had promised to deliver Beckham to the Catalan club.
Mr Laporta had been running a distant second to Lluis Bassat – 2% to Bassat's 42% - before he announced that he could bag the out-of-favour England captain if elected Barca president.
A £25 million bid from the Laporta camp was accepted by Manchester United, but while the 'promise' of Beckham cemented Laporta's future, it appears to have done little to clear up the question of which colours England's most famous footballer will be wearing next season.
Beckham's agents, SFX, are reportedly refusing to talk to Barcelona amid reports that the midfielder will stay on at United and see out the rest of his two-year contract – whether that be on the bench or on the pitch.
That is also the advice of Manchester legend George Best who has attacked Sir Alex Ferguson in today's tabloids for stabbing Becks in the back and trying to cash in on him.
Other rumours point strongly to Real Madrid, and packages ranging from £5 million cash plus three fringe players, to a £20 million deal with one player thrown in.
In terms of football, Real provides the best prospect as they can at least offer European football next year – whereas Barcelona, who have had a dismal season, can only look to the Intertoto Cup in a last-ditch effort to make the European stage.
But with clubs committing themselves to more training sessions, friendly fixtures and international tours and promotional competitions in the Far East, the Beckham saga must near conclusion soon.
As of today – his manager wants him out; Best wants him to stay; he wants to stay; his wife wants to get closer to the Milanese fashion houses; Laporta wants to avoid the embarrassment of failing his first presidential challenge; and Real Madrid would like to sign up another marketing cash cow.
The only certainty is that tabloid sports pages are driving up sales and radio pundits are becoming more creative in finding a new angle. Like the Radio 5 Live presenter who claimed that when Becks wore a white suit on a trip to New York, he was giving the white-jerseyed Real team a subliminal come-and-get-me plea.
Bookmakers tend to be more scientific, and one UK betting website earlier today made Real Madrid the favourites at 2/5; then Manchester United at 7/2; Barcelona at 4/1; AC Milan at 20/1; and Inter at 33/1.
(GMcG)
Mr Laporta had been running a distant second to Lluis Bassat – 2% to Bassat's 42% - before he announced that he could bag the out-of-favour England captain if elected Barca president.
A £25 million bid from the Laporta camp was accepted by Manchester United, but while the 'promise' of Beckham cemented Laporta's future, it appears to have done little to clear up the question of which colours England's most famous footballer will be wearing next season.
Beckham's agents, SFX, are reportedly refusing to talk to Barcelona amid reports that the midfielder will stay on at United and see out the rest of his two-year contract – whether that be on the bench or on the pitch.
That is also the advice of Manchester legend George Best who has attacked Sir Alex Ferguson in today's tabloids for stabbing Becks in the back and trying to cash in on him.
Other rumours point strongly to Real Madrid, and packages ranging from £5 million cash plus three fringe players, to a £20 million deal with one player thrown in.
In terms of football, Real provides the best prospect as they can at least offer European football next year – whereas Barcelona, who have had a dismal season, can only look to the Intertoto Cup in a last-ditch effort to make the European stage.
But with clubs committing themselves to more training sessions, friendly fixtures and international tours and promotional competitions in the Far East, the Beckham saga must near conclusion soon.
As of today – his manager wants him out; Best wants him to stay; he wants to stay; his wife wants to get closer to the Milanese fashion houses; Laporta wants to avoid the embarrassment of failing his first presidential challenge; and Real Madrid would like to sign up another marketing cash cow.
The only certainty is that tabloid sports pages are driving up sales and radio pundits are becoming more creative in finding a new angle. Like the Radio 5 Live presenter who claimed that when Becks wore a white suit on a trip to New York, he was giving the white-jerseyed Real team a subliminal come-and-get-me plea.
Bookmakers tend to be more scientific, and one UK betting website earlier today made Real Madrid the favourites at 2/5; then Manchester United at 7/2; Barcelona at 4/1; AC Milan at 20/1; and Inter at 33/1.
(GMcG)
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10 June 2003
Man Utd accept Barcelona's bid for Beckham
Manchester United have confirmed that they have accepted a bid for midfielder David Beckham from Spanish giants Barcelona. The news follows days of speculation over the future of the England captain and where he is likely to end up playing next season.
Man Utd accept Barcelona's bid for Beckham
Manchester United have confirmed that they have accepted a bid for midfielder David Beckham from Spanish giants Barcelona. The news follows days of speculation over the future of the England captain and where he is likely to end up playing next season.
20 November 2012
David Beckham Leaves LA Galaxy
Former England captain David Beckham has announced that he is leaving Los Angeles Galaxy next month. He intends to leave after the season-ending American Major League Soccer (MLS) final on 1st December.
David Beckham Leaves LA Galaxy
Former England captain David Beckham has announced that he is leaving Los Angeles Galaxy next month. He intends to leave after the season-ending American Major League Soccer (MLS) final on 1st December.
30 July 2012
London Olympics Opening Watched By Billions
The Olympics opening ceremony on Friday night was watched by an estimated four billion people around the world. It has been hailed as a low-budget masterpiece in contrast to the mass spectacle that opened the Beijing Olympics.
London Olympics Opening Watched By Billions
The Olympics opening ceremony on Friday night was watched by an estimated four billion people around the world. It has been hailed as a low-budget masterpiece in contrast to the mass spectacle that opened the Beijing Olympics.
03 November 2011
David Beckham Partners With Sainsburys
It has been revealed that football sensation David Beckham will become the new face of a Sainsbury’s campaign. The supermarket giant has announced a long-term partnership with David Beckham, where he will be Sainsbury’s ambassador to inspire children of all ages and abilities to lead healthier and more active lifestyles.
David Beckham Partners With Sainsburys
It has been revealed that football sensation David Beckham will become the new face of a Sainsbury’s campaign. The supermarket giant has announced a long-term partnership with David Beckham, where he will be Sainsbury’s ambassador to inspire children of all ages and abilities to lead healthier and more active lifestyles.
25 August 2009
Irish Paper Apologies To David Beckham
An Irish newspaper has issued a public apology to soccer star David Beckham after printing an article claiming he had tried to woo another woman.
Irish Paper Apologies To David Beckham
An Irish newspaper has issued a public apology to soccer star David Beckham after printing an article claiming he had tried to woo another woman.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
