Barca: Becks could be Nou kid on the block
Barcelona claim they have an option to buy David Beckham as the England captain´s Manchester United future was plunged into doubt again last night. Sources close to the Spanish giants insists that Barcelona have negotiated an agreement giving them first refusal on a £20million transfer until the end of June. United declined to comment on the claims, which suggests that if Barcelona fail to take up their option the Old Trafford club will sell Beckham to the highest bidder.
Martin Lipton, Daily Mirror
Fergie´s empire is stripped to the bare bones
It was a sight that would have brough a huge smile to the face of any Liverpool or Manchester City fan - fortress Old Trafford had finally fallen. Virtually every trace of Manchester United was removed for last night´s Final, as the red and black of AC Milan and the black and white of Juventus took over. The Theatre of Dreams was renamed the Theatre of Football by Uefa, and just to emphasise the point, huge footballs were suspended over the pitch.
David Anderson, Daily Mirror
Forlan´s bait for Dino
Manchester United are so desperate to land Ronaldinho they have offered Diego Forlan in part-exchange. Paris St Germain have already rejected the chance of taking Fabien Barthez as part of the transfer. But now the French club are mulling over whether to accept srtiker Forlan as a makeweight in any deal. The problem for Sir Alex Ferguson is that the United board will not match PSG´s £20million asking price. Up until now United have offered only £14m, but that´s not enough as Brazilian star Ronaldinho is entitled to a 20 per cent cut of the deal.
Danny Fullbrook, Daily Star
I will buy Beckham
David Beckham has been promised to Barcelona by ambitious businessman Joan Laporta, the man bidding to become the club´s new president. Laporta has put together a £60million package, backed by Sportswaear giant Nike, and Manchester United are ready to do business.
Harry Harris, Daily Express
Lineker’s warning
David Beckham has been warned by Gary Lineker that he would be given no time to settle in if he joined Real Madrid. BBC TV presenter Linker, a former England captain who was a hit in Spain as a player with Barcelona, believes Becks would have to prove himself instantly. Lineker said: Clubs like Real and Barcelona are used to buying great players so you have to live up to it and live up to it quickly. That doesn’t happen so much in this country because we are not used to buying the best in the world.”
Sports staff, The Sun
