6.5.03 Soccernet.com

Beckham Deal 'Proposed' To United

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has claimed he has conducted negotiations with Manchester United over the sale of David Beckham.

The England captain has been linked with numerous European clubs in recent weeks, including Real Madrid and European champions AC Milan, even though he is only 12 months into his current three-year deal at Old Trafford.

Laporta, one of the six candidates for the Barca presidency, told a press conference: 'I cannot deny that we have presented a project to Manchester to sign David Beckham and briefly we will comment what the situation is.

'At the moment I cannot say anything more but I trust that we can sign him.'

Laporta is certain his bid for the presidency will be successful even though he finished behind Lluis Bassat when candidates were shortlisted.

'We are firm candidates to win the elections for our project and the team and because we are the change that Barca needs,' Laporta added.

Beckham is currently visiting the United States as he recovers from the broken hand he suffered while playing in England's 2-1 friendly international win over South Africa in Durban a fortnight ago.

Earlier, the player's father, Ted, insisted that his son was interested only in playing for United. But with the Red Devils reportedly closing in on a £9m swoop for Brazil and Paris St Germain star Ronaldinho, it appears that Beckham's days could be numbered at the club with which he began his career as a trainee in 1991.

Today's press conference in Barcelona was called by Laporta to discuss his bid for the presidency.

And interestingly he claimed Barcelona could have competition for Beckham's signature, adding: 'Dealing with a world-class player there are always going to be other clubs interested in him.'

The man who will be Laporta's sporting director if he is elected, Sandro Rossell, added that the project 'was liked' by Manchester United because 'they believe it is solid'.

Moreover, he believes the conversations 'are going well' and that the issue will be concluded 'certainly before next season'.

Meanwhile, Laporta also revealed a deal to take Turkey goalkeeper Rustu Recber to the Nou Camp if he wins the elections has been 'signed and closed'.