Beckham: This week will be crucial

Beckham: This week will be crucial
(AFP) Sunday 22 February 2009
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David Beckham revealed that something could happen this week with his proposed transfer from Los Angeles Galaxy to AC Milan. Beckham's on-off transfer saga has been dominating the news over the past few weeks, with both the former England captain and the Italian giants making clear they want to make his loan deal permanent. But Galaxy are holding out for four-times the reported $3 million Milan have offered for the 33-year-old.

"I honestly don't know, but I know that next week will be important," said Beckham, when asked about his transfer following Milan's 1-0 victory over Cagliari. "I want to stay at Milan, I've not heard anything from Galaxy, but when it's like that you could say it could be good news."

Transfer talks seem to have hit a stalemate with Milan vice president Adriano Galliani insisting the club won't increase the offer which Galaxy described as "ridiculous".

"Absolutely not. I have a lot of experience with regard to the price of players," said Galliani, when asked if Milan would increase their bid. "And from a point of view regarding the European parameters, there's no sense in spending any more. In the States they look at the commercial aspect. But in Europe, transfers are done for technical reasons. I'm already at the limit of the budget at my disposal."

However Galaxy chief Tim Leiweke has been holding his ground as well and claiming that the Americans will not be bullied into accepting less than their own valuation. "Two weeks ago, Milan made a ridiculous offer that took me just a few seconds to reject," he said. "With this figure, Galaxy wouldn't even be able to cover the loss in revenue from shirt sales. If Milan are so determined to buy him, why are they dragging this out for so long? If they think they'll get him on the cheap that way, they're wrong," he said.

Beckham is still determined to be a part of the England squad at next year's 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, provided Fabio Capello's men qualify, and he feels that his best chance of achieving that goal is to be playing for Milan rather than Galaxy.

"Of course, people have said that, it's been in the news that people have said that," Beckham replied when asked whether he risks losing his place in Capello's squad if he returns to Mayor League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. "But I've been at the Galaxy for a year and a half now and I've managed to stay in the England team. We'll see.

"It's obvious that it could play a part in Capello's thoughts," he added. "I love playing football and so I want to stay here."

Beckham equalled Bobby Moore's record of 108 caps for an outfield England player in a 2-0 defeat by Spain earlier this month.