Galaxy dismiss Becks rumours

Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has dismissed reports which have suggested AC Milan are on the verge of agreeing a deal for David Beckham.

The England international is currently at the centre of a long-running transfer saga after expressing a desire to make his loan move to San Siro permanent in order to reinforce his chances of playing at the 2010 World Cup.

Milan are understood to have had an initial bid in the region of £6million rejected by Galaxy, who are thought to want around £8m for the midfielder, but the Serie A club's vice-president Adriano Galliani claimed earlier on Thursday that 'progress' had been made.

However, Arena has rubbished the opinion of Galliani and has reiterated that he expects former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Beckham to return to America when his temporary venture in Italy comes to an end on 9th March.

Agreement
"I suspect those rumours, in terms of AC Milan sending a delegation over, were not accurate," Arena - who has also loaned Landon Donovan to Bayern Munich - told Sky Sports News.

Rumours have suggested Galaxy could be prepared to accept a cash-plus-player deal, involving either Kakha Kaladze or Daniele Bonera, as Milan look for alternatives in striking an agreement.

Arena confesses there will be will be further talks with Milan, but insists that, if the situation changes, MLS outfit Galaxy will be the club to prosper.

"Certainly there will be discussions with Milan as we move down the road," he added.

Benefit
"But again, as we have stated all along, as of now, we fully anticipate David to be back, as well as Landon.

"However, if anything changes, the change will be to the benefit of Galaxy. We have said that all along and have tried to be consistent with that.

"If things change, they change. But, right now, we anticipate both players being back."

Meanwhile, Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi is adamant he is in the dark regarding Beckham's situation.

"I'm unable to give an answer because I know nothing. I'd like it if Beckham could continue playing at Milan, because his game is essential", he told Italian media.

Source: Sky Sports