SPORTS> Soccer
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SPORTS> Soccer
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On-loan Becks close to joining AC Milan
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-10-23 09:18 MILAN, Italy – AC Milan is close to signing David Beckham in a loan deal that would allow the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder and former England captain to play in Italy for a few months starting in January.
"We're discussing it with his agent," Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said Wednesday on the club's Web site. With the Major League Soccer season in the United States nearly over, Beckham is eager to join another club in Europe so he can remain in shape and keep his place on England's team for World Cup qualifying. England coach Fabio Capello has said he will not pick players who are not active. "We'll sign him for a few months and then he'll go back. Beckham has chosen Milan," Galliani said at Malpensa airport before flying to a UEFA Cup match. "Our team is very competitive and will remain as is, but Beckham is something different and intriguing." Beckham's spokesman, Simon Oliveira of 19 Management in Los Angeles, acknowledged talks are taking place for a short-term loan but "nothing is confirmed at present." "David's intention is to maintain his fitness and keep himself eligible for England's selection," he said. "He very much remains a Galaxy player and he would be in Los Angeles for the start of the 2009 MLS season." MLS commissioner Don Garber confirmed the talks, but stressed that Beckham will be playing for the Galaxy at the start of the 2009 season. While many Italian clubs are struggling with attendance, Galliani noted that 65,000 fans showed for Milan's home game Sunday with Sampdoria. |
