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)