LA Galaxy have formally rejected Milan’s opening bid, but are continuing negotiations. "We need to end the distractions, the circus and the zoo."
After Wednesday night’s 2-2 friendly draw at Glasgow Rangers, Beckham told the media for the first time that he wanted to remain beyond his March 9 loan expiry and was in talks to make the move permanent.
"We just received an offer," said Tim Leiweke, chief executive of Galaxy owners AEG. "It was rejected."
It’s reported the bid was for around £4.3m, whereas the American side want at least £9m, possibly as much as £16m.
"If David ultimately is an asset for this team, we want him back," Leiweke continued in the LA Times.
"If David ultimately has a hunger and a desire to come help us make the impact on the pitch that we wanted to make with him but haven't done yet, then he's an important member of this team and our intention is to bring him back.
"Clearly, if David's in a position where he wants to finish the season in Milan, and Milan in turn compensates the Galaxy so that we can suffer no damages to our fans or to our team, then we'll take a look at it.
"But we have made it very clear to them that we expect David back here March 9. They agree and understand we own the contract.
“They understand the only way we do this is if, when this is all said and done, the Galaxy benefits. If the Galaxy comes out better without David than with David, then we'll take a look at it."
The MLS side knows it has nothing but money and the contract to bargain with, as Beckham has been won over by San Siro and his probable return to the England squad for next week’s friendly against Spain.
"We understand his infatuation with playing on the world's most popular club team right now, and we understand his trying to mentally get around the idea of coming back to play with a team that didn't make the playoffs in MLS last year," added the chief executive.
However, he denied reports Beckham had brought in the lawyers – something claimed by Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani – to find a loophole so he could be released.
"That said, David and us actually are talking. He has never forced our hand on anything. This is not a legal conversation and has never been a legal conversation. He does not have lawyers looking at the contract.
"David has made it very clear that if our decision is to bring him back here, he will return. Period.
"Last time I checked, we're the ones that have the contract. So the decision as to where David's going to play this year is as much ours as anyone's."
There is another hiccup, as Leiweke confirmed talk of extending the loan was out of the question, but as the transfer window has closed, how would that be possible?
"I think they would look at either [a loan or a permanent buy]. We wouldn't. If David comes back, it will be because there were decisions made by all involved and he'll accept that.
"I don't think he'll be as disgruntled as the media makes it out to be."
There is an alternative, as when Beckham first arrived Galliani stated the contract was until the end of the season with “a gentlemen’s agreement” to release him on March 9.
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