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David Beckham's lawyers talking to Galaxy
2009-02-04
MILAN - David Beckham's lawyers are talking to the Los Angeles Galaxy to see whether the club will enter into negotiations so he can stay in Italy, AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said Wednesday. "At the moment there is neither optimism nor pessimism," Galliani said at an airport, on his way to Scotland, where Milan was to play an exhibition against Rangers. The English midfielder is halfway through a three-month loan with Milan that ends March 8. He has started all five matches since his arrival in Milan and has scored twice, and on Sunday he set up two goals in a 3-1 win over Lazio. Beckham says he's enjoyed his return to Europe more than he expected, and while he respects the $32.5 million, five-year contract he signed with Major League Soccer in 2007, playing for Milan has been special. Galliani and Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti have made clear they would love to keep him. The Galaxy has reiterated that it wants Beckham back when the loan ends. Galliani, who has acknowledged Beckham's marketing appeal, said Milan was more than willing to enter into negotiations with the Galaxy but that for now no negotiations were under way and Milan hasn't even made an offer yet. "We would look to acquire him or get him on loan until the end of the season or definitively," he said. "Otherwise, unfortunately for everyone starting with me, Beckham has to go back. "Players can make their choices, but the clubs can say no to their choices. Moreover, the Los Angeles Galaxy has always been very nice to us and has behaved in a very gentlemanly manner." Galliani also said Beckham's lawyers are speaking with Los Angeles. "To start and close any possible negotiation, there's time up until the night of March 8," Galliani added. Beckham has also been included on Milan's 25-man roster for UEFA Cup games against Germany's Werder Bremen on Feb. 18 and 26.
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