Rossoneri rule out Beckham swoop
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has dismissed reports that the Rossoneri are planning to sign David Beckham permanently. The LA Galaxy midfielder impressed during a loan spell at the San Siro earlier this year, so much so that Milan extended his stay until the end of the campaign causing him to miss the beginning of the new MLS calendar.
Beckham is likely to seek another loan deal in January in order for the 34-year-old to gain the match sharpness required to boost his chances of featuring at next summer's World Cup in South Africa.
But speculation is now mounting he could leave LA Galaxy sooner than expected as his relationship with the club's fans continues to sour.
The England international was continually booed in a recent friendly against Milan - his first home game since returning from Italy.
However, Galaxy are expected to demand around 13 million euros for Beckham's siganture, and Galliani admits Milan are not prepared to pay that amount.
"There's no possibility for him to come sooner," the Milan chief told reporters.
"David knows that the doors of Milanello are always open for him, his lawyers also know that.
"I hope he returns in January, but before then he won't because that's when the market reopens even though he finishes there at the end of November.”
Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Chelsea, now managed by Carlo Ancelotti who brought Beckham to the San Siro in the first place, are reportedly interested in the former Manchester United midfielder.
However, Beckham has made it clear that Milan is his preferred destination.
“They [Milan] have remained in my heart and honestly I am confident again I will greet them in November,” he said.
"I hope to return to play for Milan."
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Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.