honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:19 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2009

Soccer: Galliani optimistic over Beckham move

Associated Press

MILAN — AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said the club was closer to completing David Beckham's transfer from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

"In the past few hours we have taken steps forward," Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport after arriving back in Milan following the team's 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup on Wednesday.

There have been conflicting reports in the past few days over the state of the negotiations following the expiration of last Friday's Major League Soccer-imposed deadline. It is now being suggested that next Tuesday is the most likely day for the deal to be completed.

Milan's owner, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, later said he was hopeful that the England international would remain at his club.

Speaking after a meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Berlusconi said: "I would like it if he stays with Milan because his passing is essential."