PSG confirm Beckham 'discussions'

05 November 2011 06:46

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed to AFP that they are in "discussions" over the signing of David Beckham but that they are not in a position to confirm anything at the moment.

Beckham, 36, will be freed from his Los Angeles Galaxy contract in a matter of days and has expressed interest in the project that PSG are assembling with the huge financial backing of owners Qatar Sports Investments (QSI).

"We're in discussions but there is nothing else at the moment," QSI president Nasser Al-Khelaifi told AFP.

"That's what we can say about him today. As soon as we've found an agreement with him or he's signed, we'll announce it. And there's no deadline for that."

PSG and their sporting director, Leonardo, are believed to have been in negotiations with Beckham for several weeks and have offered him an 18-month contract.

Sources close to the talks say that Beckham is stalling because he wants to retain control of his image rights and earn a share of the revenue from future sales of replica shirts bearing his name.

Al-Khelaifi denies those reports, however, and says the former England captain remains committed to his contract at the Galaxy.

"Not at all. He's someone who's loyal to his employer and at the moment I'm sure that he's focused on LA," said the Qatari.

"He has a contract and he respects it."

Beckham has admitted that he is desperate to earn a place in the Great Britain team at next year's Olympics in his home city of London and has also been linked with English clubs Tottenham Hotspur, QPR and Leicester City.

The Galaxy face Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer's Western Conference final on Sunday, after two Beckham assists helped them to a 2-1 defeat of New York Red Bulls in Thursday's semi-final second leg.

The winners will face the Eastern Conference champions, Houston or Kansas City, in the MLS Cup final on November 20.

Beckham joined the Galaxy from Real Madrid amid much fanfare in 2007 but has yet to taste success in the national championship during his time at the club.

Source: AFP