Manchester United 1-2 Crystal Palace (AET): Ambrose thunderbolt & Murray clincher dump hosts out of League Cup

Dougie Freedman masterminds a historic win against Sir Alex Ferguson's charges to earn a place in the semifinals

Goal.com: Crystal Palace shocked Manchester United by earning a historic 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in the League Cup on Wednesday night, securing a place in the semifinals.

It was a game in which Palace refused to back down, as its heroics in extra-time saw it pull off one of the shocks of the season.

The game will be remembered by a Darren Ambrose screamer from almost 40 yards, but a persistent United equaled the tie minutes later as Federico Macheda earned a penalty before successfully dispatching the spot-kick. 

Dougie Freedman’s side successfully pulled off the upset eight minutes into extra-time as Glenn Murray headed in from close range from a free-kick.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, despite making wholesale changes, fielded a stronger team than expected. Fabio da Silva was the only United player to retain his place, however, Dimitar Berbatov, Chris Smalling, Antonio Valencia and Ji-Sung Park ensured a strong lineup.

With half an hour played, the game was evenly poised, with both teams attacking on the break and sharing a similar amount of possession.

Wilfred Zaha, who caused Ferguson’s men non-stop problems throughout the half, had a penalty claim 10 minutes before halftime. A through ball by Stuart O’Keefe saw Zaha trip over Darron Gibson’s foot but the referee allowed the game to continue.

The pendulum clearly swung in United’s favor as it dominated the first 20 minutes of the second half. Morrison continued to inject life into the United attack and had a shot blocked by the legs of Price following a through ball by Park.

Despite dictating the tempo, Manchester United was soon humbled when a wonder strike from Ambrose from 40 yards rocketed into the top corner of Ben Amos’ net.

However, two minutes after Palace went a goal up, United levelled the score after Macheda went down in the box after having his shorts pulled by Patrick McCarthy. The Italian stepped up to take the penalty he had earned and calmly sent Price the wrong way to level the proceedings.

After 90 minutes, the game was level as the two teams freshened up before returning for extra-time.

After the brief hiatus, United looking the less lethargic of the two sides as it continued to mount the pressure on Palace.

Palace then shocked Old Trafford for the second time of the night as it restored the lead through a Murray header. Zaha tricked his way past Park on the left flank and, after the South Korean brought down the Palace striker, the 19-year-old delivered a scintillating free-kick which Murray headed in from two yards out.

United almost replied instantly as Gibson hit a sweet struck volley inches wide of the post. Palace, unwilling to depend on the lead, pushed for another goal. Ambrose hit a fierce free-kick from a similar distance as his second half screamer but was matched with an impressive save by Amos.

The remainder of extra-time proved to be a nail-biting affair as Palace held on to the lead and ensured a momentous victory.

Football transfer rumours: André Villas-Boas to raid Barcelona?

Chelsea's André Villas-Boas contemplates making a move for the Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto

"Does a struggling salesman start turning up on a bicycle? No, he turns up in a newer car. Perception, yeah? They got to trust me – I'm taking these guys into battle, yeah? And I'm doing my own stapling."

It seems Steve Bruce has been reading the David Brent guide to surviving in the workplace. The Sunderland manager, reports the Mirror, will meet the club owner Ellis Short this week and ask not only to keep his job but for more money to spend in January. His chief target is, funnily enough, a target man – Wolfsburg's Papiss Cissé, while Ahmed Mehmedi of FC Zurich and Tottenham's 6ft 2in Russian frustrationRoman Pavlyuchenko, also sit high on his shopping list.

Elsewhere in the north-east, Alan Pardew – having clearly missed what transpired at Middlesbrough when Gordon Strachan began raiding the aisles of the Lidl that is the SPL – wants to bring the Celtic captain Scott Brown to Newcastle. The Diouf-bothering midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and would cost only around £1.5m.

Also on Pardew's hit-list for the January sales is the Holland international left-back Erik Pieters, currently of PSV. Mike Ashley will have to rummage down the back of his settee to find £3m among the crisp crumbs and ring pulls.

Chelsea's scouts have earned their Going-To-Sicily-To-Watch-A-Football-Match badge after running the rule over Palermo's Josip Ilicic at the weekend. Palermo will demand around £25m for the Slovenian midfielder, who has also roused the interest of Internazionale. André Villas-Boas also fancies another raid on Barcelona's back-up – the 19-year-old midfielder Sergi Roberto would cost £5m.

One player not heading to Stamford Bridge, though, is the 15-year-old wonderkid Javier González, who rose to attention after scoring an improbable 20 goals in seven youth games at Laredo. Chelsea and Arsenal were apparently keen, but he'll join Real Madrid instead.

Paris St-Germain want the Makélélé role to be performed in their technical area after losing patience with Antoine Kombouaré. Claude himself is top of their shortlist, although the former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has already said "Non, merci" to their advances.

Leeds want to solve their goalkeeping troubles with the signing of 6ft 6in "German stopper" Thorsten Stuckmann from Preston. And Aidy Boothroyd is set to return to football as manager of Northampton Town.

John Ashdown, guardian.co.uk

Liverpool FC could launch January bid for Roberto Soldado - report

Liverpool are reportedly considering making a January move to sign Valencia striker Roberto Soldado.

 Roberto Soldado

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has been linked with a number of forwards in recent weeks as he looks to bring in a top forward to provide competition for Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in the New Year.

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who is currently on loan at Tottenham, is reportedly on Dalglish's radar (see below), but according to Metro, the Scot will launch a bid for 26-year-old Soldado during the winter transfer window.

The former Getafe forward has been watched by the Merseysiders on several occasions in recent months and scouts were reportedly in attendance to watch him impress in last week's 7-0 win over Genk in the Champions League, where he struck a hat-trick.

Valencia are said to value Soldado at around £20million, which could prove to be a possible stumbling block, unless Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli are willing to offer one of their fringe players as part of a cash-plus-player deal for the Spaniard.

Arsenal FC on alert as Lukas Podolski hints at January move

Lukas Podolski has put Arsenal on alert after admitting he could seek a move in January.

Lukas Podolski

Tottenham and Lazio have also been linked with the 26-year-old in recent weeks, although Arsenal are widely seen as favourites to secure his signature should he look to leave Cologne next year.

Arsene Wenger sent scouts to watch the forward play in last Friday's defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach and officials from the north London club have watched the £10million-rated Germany international on several occasions this season.

And it is thought that a bid could be made in the New Year after Podolski hinted that he could be ready to leave the Bundesliga.

Podolski was disappointed that his side missed out on a place in Europe at the end of last season, and with Cologne currently occupying a mid-table position in the Germany top-flight, the chances of European football next season do not look great.

And the player has now alerted clubs by saying: "I was told the plan was to get back into Europe but we have failed and of course I have to ask myself why.

"'My family and friends may live here and I know every corner of the city but if I am in top condition, then I think I could fit into any side in Europe.

"I am not forced to stay only in Cologne."

Khedira to Man Utd? Torje to Arsenal FC? Coleman to Liverpool FC? Tuesday's transfer round-up

- Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira is a target for Manchester United, according toCaughtoffside.com.

Gabriel Torje

- The agent of Udinese forward Gabriel Torje has confirmed Arsenal are interested in signing him.

- Liverpool are considering a raid on rivals and neighbours Everton for defender Seamus Coleman, according to the Irish Independent.

- Manchester United are leading the race to sign Laredo SD youth team star Javier Gonzalez, who is also a target for Real Madrid and Barcelona, according to the Daily Mail.

- Juventus winger Milos Krasic, who has been linked with both Chelsea and Manchester United, has hinted at a move in January, just days after he insisted he was not thinking about leaving the club.

- Paris Saint-Germain are willing to pay €75million to beat Chelsea to the signature of Napoli forward Edinson Cavani next year, according to RMC.

- Sporting striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel insists he does not want to leave the club despite reports linking him with Chelsea and Manchester United.

- Diego Milito, who has been linked with both Arsenal and Tottenham, insists he has no plans to leave Inter Milan next year.

- And Inter defender Philippe Coutinho insists he would stay at Inter Milan if it was up to him, but the admits his future could be out of his hands as he continues to be linked with Liverpool.

Crunch Sports

Podolski to Arsenal FC? Drogba to quit Chelsea FC? Elm to Man Utd? Tuesday's back pages

Podolski, down, goes toe to toe with Ramos from Real madrid

Crunch Sports:

The Sun: Alan Shearer today reveals his final conversation with tragic Gary Speed and asks: "Why, oh why didn't my friend call me?" 

Also: Didier Drogba is ready to walk away from Chelsea after rejecting a January move to AC Milan.

And: Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is set to make a move for £9m-rated Villarreal midfielder Borja Valero.

Plus: Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka could be on his way out of White Hart Lane.


Daily Mirror: Arsenal scouts are watching Cologne and Germany striker Lukas Podolski, who could be available for £20m. 

Also: Roberto Mancini has unleashed a furious attack on England's football authorities, accusing them of sabotaging the national team. 

And: Football united in grief yesterday as it attempted to come to terms with the death of Wales manager Gary Speed.

Plus: Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has rejected a contract offer to stay at the club.


Daily Star: Gareth Bale last night urged Wales' shell-shocked footballers to pay tribute to Gary Speed by carrying on his good work. 

Also: Chelsea assistant boss Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed he could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

And: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could make a move for AZ Alkmaar winger Rasmus Elm in the January transfer window.


Daily Mail: Football fans across Britain paid their respects to Gary Speed as the Welsh FA unveiled plans to organise a match in tribute to their manager, who died on Sunday.

Also: Newcastle United scouts have watched Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and striker Olivier Giroud.


Daily Express: Five pro footballers have contacted Tony Adams' Sporting Chance Clinic after Gary Speed's tragic death on Sunday in desperate need of help.


Metro: Tottenham have stolen a march on Arsenal in the race for DC United winger Andy Najar after agreeing to take the promising 18-year-old on trial during the MLS off season.

Also: Morocco international striker Marouane Chamakh could soon be leaving Arsenal as Paris Saint-Germain are understood to be readying a £10m transfer bid.


Daily Telegraph: Steve Bruce is teetering on the bring of being sacked as Sunderland manager, with Mark Hughes interested in taking over from his former Manchester United team-mate at the Stadium of Light. 

Also: David Beckham believes Manchester City have little chance of winning the Premier League this season despite being five points clear after 13 games.


The Times: Gary Speed's wife and two teenage sons said yesterday that they had been overwhelmed by the support they have received since the Wales manager's mystifying death on Sunday morning.


The Guardian: Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is set to discuss his future with owner Ellis Short after the club's poor run in the league.

Liverpool FC keen on signing Emmanuel Adebayor next year - report

Crunch Sports: Liverpool are reportedly considering launching a bid for Emmanuel Adebayor.

 Emmanuel Adebayor

The Manchester City striker is currently on loan at Tottenham although it remains to be seen whether his deal will become a permanent one.

The 27-year-old has made a good impression at White Hart Lane but his six-figure weekly wages are proving to be a stumbling block for Spurs, as is the prospect of City demanding a transfer fee for the Togo international.

City paid £25million for Adebayor in 2009 and are believed to be wanting around £15m should they get him off their books next year.

And according to Caughtoffside.com, the forward Arsenal forward is a target for Liverpool as Reds boss Kenny Dalglish looks to add to his attacking options.

Dalglish brought in Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll at the start of this season and added to his squad during the summer with the free transfer signing of Craig Bellamy.

But with Bellamy and Netherlands international Dirk Kuyt being primarily used in wide positions, it is thought that the Scot is looking for a central striker to provide competition for Suarez and Carroll.

Football transfer rumours: Rasmus Elm to Manchester United?

Rasmus Elm, left, goes toe to toe with Jack Rodwell during Sweden's international friendly against England. The Swedish midfielder is being linked with a January move to Manchester United Photograph: Michael Regan/The FA via Getty Images

With a confused and saddened football world struggling to get its head around the tragic passing of Gary Speed, it's no surprise that many of the sports pages are dedicated to echoing the poignant and fitting tribute paid to the Wales manager before kick-off at Swansea City's Liberty Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The understandable upshot is that there's little room for comparatively irrelevant nonsense such as this, so it is to the outer reaches of cyberspace we turn for today's tittle-tattle and tell-all.

Despite Sir Alex Ferguson's assertion that he doesn't need to bring in new blood to cover for his injured Brazilian midfielder Anderson, Inside Futbol suggests AZ Alkmaar's Swedish midfielder Rasmus Elm might be off to Manchester United in January, although the player's agent has refused to confirm the club's interest in his client. "I can't comment on individual clubs, although I am aware of what is happening," said Patrick Mork, the Mr 15% in question. "But what I can say is that many of the biggest clubs follow Rasmus."

Juventus have ruled out a January move for the Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, with the Old Lady's general director Giuseppe Marotta sounding fairly emphatic about his lack of interest in the Argentinian in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica. "Tevez is not a player who interests us; absolutely not," declared Marotta, before pouring himself a cup of relaxing camomile tea and adding: "We will calmly ponder what to do in the January transfer window."

With a starting berth in Barcelona's first team no longer assured, theSpanish striker David Villa could be tempted to calmly ponder a move to Liverpool, subject to Kenny Dalglish's side qualifying for the Champions League. Villa turned down a move to Anfield in favour of signing for Barcelona in the summer of 2010, but Liverpool's interest in securing his scrawl remains undimmed despite the snub.

The Udinese winger Gabriel Torje has been the subject of inquiries from Arsenal, with the 22-year-old agent having confirmed that the young Romanian won't be going anywhere in January, a move next summer is a realistic possibility. "Yes, it's true Arsenal like him," said Giovani Becali. "There's nothing official. We can say there have been talks, even when the player does not move. In January there is no chance that he moves. For June, we'll see."

Having made so many shrewd purchases from the fertile hunting ground of Ligue 1 in the past 12 months, Newcastle United are planning another cross-channel raid, with the Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud the latest young Frenchman to have got antennae twitching at St James' Park. The 25-year-old made his international debut earlier this month, coming on as a substitute in France's 1-0 win over the USA, and did his chances of securing a January move to Tyneside no harm by orchestrating all three of his side's goals in their weekend win at Sochaux.

And with his Milan contract set to expire at the end of this season,Clarence Seedorf could be given the option of finishing his career in Brazil. Having turned down offers from Corinthians, Flamengo and Botafogo last summer in favour of spending another season at the San Siro, the 106-year-old Dutch midfielder is wanted by posh Rio side and three-times Brazilian champions Fluminese. Elsewhere in Brazil,Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto de Assis Moreira has insisted that his sibling is eager to stay at Flamengo, despite talk of tears and recriminations over unpaid wages, not to mention speculation linking the 31-year-old nightclub enthusiast with the Greek side Panathinaikos.

"I have not spoken to anyone about a potential transfer," said Assis. "He is very happy here where he can always visit his friends. He's still a big name in world football. He's getting some good results here. He has made over 50 appearances and has scored 20 goals. He has even returned to the Seleção. He is very happy and wants to focus on his performances on the pitch."

LIVERPOOL SUDDENLY FIRST IN LINE FOR €50M BELGIAN STAR

image: Lille Star Eden hazard

Liverpool could be attempting a move for one of the hottest prospects in European football, Lille star Eden Hazard.

The club are hoping to exploit their pre-existing links with Lille through the current loan deal that saw Joe Cole move across the Channel in the summer.

The Anfield outcast made a quick impact at the Stade-Lille Metropole and the French Ligue 1 title contenders are keen to make Cole’s move a permanent one.

Cole told Mirror Sport: “I’d like to leave a legacy here. The fans have taken to me straight away, and that really helps.

“They bring a Union Jack to every game, and they sing ‘Hey Jude’, which the rest of the team find hilarious.

“I’d like to win something here, I’d like them to look at me as Chris Waddle is viewed down in Marseille – they love him down there, and he’s still a legend.

“Who knows what may happen, but I find it really exciting to be here in Lille and it makes me feel proud to be so well accepted and respected.

“People always ask me about going home, but I can see no reason for doing that right now.

“I’m a Liverpool man, and I have a lot of friends there still, but I’m really enjoying my time here, and I feel I fit in.”

This strengthens Liverpool’s position as they may try and engineer a swap deal in the summer. Obviously Lille will want to keep both players as they were the stand out performers in their Champions League win at CSKA Moscow.

Lille President, Michel Seydoux told a press conference: “Cole is becoming an important member of our team, and even though he is currently Liverpool’s player, it is not a certainty that he will leave us again at the end his [loan] contract.

“We would like to keep Hazard too, and if he still sees a challenge here, then he could stay. It’s probable, though, that he will leave the club after this season, as there’s plenty of interest.

“Will €50million be enough? Nobody is irreplaceable and there are solutions for that kind of money.”

The problem Liverpool face is that there is a long line of clubs with an eye on Hazard, some of Europe’s biggest and richest teams are monitoring the situation.

If any of the clubs that have already been linked with the 20-year-old, such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris-Saint Germain, Inter or Chelsea meet Lille’s £43m plus evaluation then Liverpool could be priced out. Perhaps Liverpool should have spent the £50m they got for Fernando Torres more wisely.

Hazard has himself stated on numerous occasions that he wants to leave Lille in the summer, and preferably for Real.

He also confirmed on his own website that both Milan clubs made approaches in the summer, but remained at Lille as he was unsure over who his suitors’ personnel would be at the start of the season.

In L’equipe, the Belgian international revealed that PSG were lining up a €50m bid in the summer, and Spanish newspaper EL Confidencial reported in an interview with Hazard that he was ‘waiting for Real’.

It read: “He [Eden Hazard] would only be interested in an offer from Real Madrid,” citing sport’s director, Zinedine Zidane, as a factor in the player’s decision.

But he has a contract until the summer of 2015 so Lille are firmly in the driving seat for the next few transfer windows at least.

Mario Goetze wants Arsenal FC or FC Barcelona move - report

Borussia Dortmund playmaker Mario Goetze has reportedly opened the door to a £30million move to Arsenal.

Image: The highly-rated 19-year-old, who has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in recent weeks, is Arsenal's top transfer target for next year.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger this past week confirmed his interest in the Germany international, who has impressed with a number of superb performances over the past twelve months.

And according to the Daily Star Sunday, Goetze has told friends that he was impressed with the set-up at Emirates Stadium when Dortmund met the Gunners in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

A source told the newspaper: "He likes the way Arsenal play the game and for him there are only two clubs where he’d like to play once he moves from Dortmund - Arsenal or Barcelona."

Despite Dortmund insisting the teenager is not for sale, reports in Germany last week suggested Arsenal are already in talks with the Bundesliga side about a possible deal.

Liverpool FC could make move to sign David Villa next summer - report

Liverpool are still reportedly showing interest in Barcelona forward David Villa.

Reports in Spain earlier this month suggested that both Liverpool and Chelsea had made contact with Barca over the availability of the 29-year-old following reports that he had been involved in a bust-up with team-mate Lionel Messi.

The falling out between the two forwards has been acknowledged by the Catalans, although the club insist Villa is not for sale.

Guardiola recently insisted that Villa was still a key player for the club, despite him being left out of the starting line-up for a number of games recently, but reports in Spain continue to link him with a move to Merseyside.

And according to The People, Liverpool will launch a bid for the Spain international next summer if they qualify for the Champions League next May.

Last week, Guardiola had told reporters: "When I tell you that I have a lot of trust and faith in Villa, I mean it."

Responding to criticism that Villa had been left on the bench for four league games in a row, the Spaniard added: "I cannot justify every time he has been a substitute. Not everyone can play, but I trust everyone. I know every player and what they can bring to the fare."

Chelsea FC join Liverpool FC and Man Utd in race to sign Lucas - report

Crunch Sports:Chelsea have reportedly joined Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign £20million-rated Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas.

The 19-year-old playmaker is fast becoming one of the most sought-after young players in South America, and has also been linked with AC Milan and Real Madrid in recent weeks.

According to The Sun, Chelsea are the latest club to show interest in the teenager and Premier League clubs have been alerted by news that he is learning English ahead of a possible move next year.

Agent Wagner Ribeiro was quoted as saying: "Chelsea, Inter Milan and Liverpool have demanded details from me and Sao Paulo knows the situation.

"At the moment they are not interested. Perhaps in the summer they may negotiate but only an enormous offer could change things as I want continuity for the player for a couple of years."

Lucas said: "Three days a week I study for one hour with a teacher.

"I'm prepared to move to Europe and it is always good to get on top of the language.

"I haven't decided what I'm doing. For now I'm concentrating on Sao Paulo."

Liverpool are said to have watched Lucas no fewer than five times in recent months.

Chelsea FC target Edinson Cavani subject of £50m bid from PSG - report

crunchsports: Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly launched a £50million bid for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, who has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City.

Cavani has been on City's radar throughout the year, while rivals Manchester United have also been linked with the 24-year-old.

City boss Roberto Mancini saw the Uruguay international impress yet again last Tuesday as he fired his side to a 2-1 win over the Blues in the Champions League.

It had been thought that Chelsea were considering launching a bid for the talented forward in January, although Napoli insist the player is not for sale and Cavani himself is seemingly happy in Italy.

And despite interest from the Premier League, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentis has revealed that PSG have made the first move for his prize asset.

"The offer was for the January market," he was quoted by talkSPORT as saying.

"But he's not for sale, even less so in January."

Lucas to Chelsea FC? Cole to FC Barcelona, Gonzalez to Arsenal FC? Sunday's transfer round-up

crunchsports: Sunday's round up of the top transfer stories from the past 24 hours...

- Chelsea have joined Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign £20million-rated Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas, according to The Sun.

- Barcelona are still keen on signing Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, according toSport.

- Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly launched a £50million bid for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, who has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City, according totalkSPORT.

- The agent of Lucho Gonzalez has reiterated the Marseille midfielder's desire to leave the French club, but despite interest from Arsenal has toldGoal.com there have been no firm offers.

- Arsenal are considering a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, according to FootyLatest.

Report: Paris club offers to double David Beckham's salary

As expected, Paris Saint-Germain is willing to pay whatever it takes to acquire David Beckham's services.

PSG, financed by Qatari oil barons, has offered to almost double Beckham's salary with an 18-month contract worth $17.9 million, according to The Daily Mail.

A club in France is willing to nearly double David Beckham's pay. (AP Photo)

Beckham, 36, just won the MLS Cup with the L.A. Galaxy and his five-year contract is coming to an end and he has yet to decide whether he will remain in MLS or return to play in Europe. PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi says he believes Beckham's decision will come down between London club Tottenham and PSG.

Beckham is traveling with the Galaxy now on a three-game postseason tour of Asia and Australia. He will become a free agent at the end of December.

Should Beckham accept the PSG offer, it would be quite the raise for the aging superstar. He earned $6.5 million annually with the Galaxy.

PSG sporting director Leonardo recently said he would welcome the chance to bring Beckham to France to raise the world-wide profile of PSG, which is in first place in France's Ligue 1. PSG spent $116 million this season — including $60 million on the 22-year-old Javier Pastore.

"He could help us young players a lot. It would be enriching to talk to him," Pastore told L'Equipe. "Beckham has an imposing presence. No one in our squad has a list of achievements and a background of his caliber."

Beckham has played in three World Cups, winning league titles with Manchester United and Real Madrid before moving to the MLS in 2007.

Pastore said Beckham's "experience of winning" and his "many titles in different places" would prove invaluable to a PSG team that has many players aged 24 or younger.

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Beckham 'set to sign for Paris'

DAVID Beckham is on the verge of signing for Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports on both sides of the Channel saying he could pick up a pay packet of around €13 million.  The club wants to use his fame and experience of playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan as a springboard for its own ambitions. The signing of the 36 year old midfielder would lure other big-name, big-money stars to the club recently bought by Qatari Nasser al-Khelaifi and transform it into a global brand.  PSG sporting director Leonardo confirmed on RMC radio he had spoken to Beckham, saying; "We've spoken. I know him. His contract [with Los Angeles Galaxy] has finished: now he is going to decide his life. If he is thinking of coming here we should be happy - but it depends on lots of things."  He added: "When you talk about Beckham, you're talking about something big. I think he can still bring something on the pitch with the person he is and the experience he has."  However, in the past 48 hours Beckham has denied any contact with PSG and has been linked, instead with London club Tottenham. PSG owner al-Khelaifi himself said Beckham's decision was between them and Spurs.  The news comes ahead of this weekend's "clasico" match between Olympique Marseille and PSG - with extra spice added by both the Beckham claims and the news PSG has nipped ahead of OM in the club wage stakes.  An inquiry into France's most popular clubs by Le Parisien found the massive influx of Qatari funds means the Paris wage bill is higher than in Marseille.  Although the highest-earner is OM's Lucho Gonzalez who pockets €360,000 brut a month, over at PSG fellow-Argentinian Javier Pastore trousers €350,000 and Leonardo is paid more than his players... at €400,000.  In all, PSG counts 11 players who are earning more than €200,000 a month, against nine in Marseille. The poorest paid player in the two squads is Marseille's Billel Omrani who gets €8,000. OM coach Didier Deschamps is on €250,000 while PSG's Antoine Kombouaré is on €140,000.  With this in mind, former Marseille owner Bernard Tapie put the possible arrival of David Beckham into perspective, saying: "Outside of France, who has heard of PSG? Next season, if Paris play in the Champions League with Beckham in the team the whole world will speak of PSG. Not just because it will have become champion of France but because it has a global star in the side. When you have David Beckham in your team the world of football, even referees, does not look at you the same."

Beckham offered 11.6 million pounds deal by Paris Saint-Germain

Paris: Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham is reportedly on the verge of signing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after being offered an 18-month contract worth 11.6 million pounds.

According to a leading daily, Beckham has been handpicked by PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi as part of his strategy to turn the French club into a football superpower.


Earlier, PSG sporting director Leonardo had confirmed that the club had held preliminary talks with Beckham to sign him when the transfer window opens in January 2012.

“Yes, we’ve spoken. These situations take time. We’ll see if something suits him and suits us. I know his history and he doesn’t need to tell me his past. He went to Milan and it was the same thing. There is a rapport with him,” Leonardo had said.

“When you talk about Beckham, you’re talking about something big. Now his contract is finished, he will decide his future. If Beckham thinks about coming, that’s something we should be happy about,” he added.

Leonardo also insists that the club would not be able to find a better professional than Beckham.

“I think he can still bring something on the pitch with the person he is and the experience he has. If a player like him is thinking about Paris Saint-Germain that’s good, and we’ve opened the door for discussions,” he had said.

Beckham has been offered the chance to stay in Los Angeles, but so far has not agreed any new deal.