Big day for Becks - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Big day for Becks

David Beckham is expected to learn on Friday whether his future lies in Italy or the United States.

The England midfielder has made it clear he wants to make his short-term spell at AC Milan permanent, but the Serie A side will have to move quickly after Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber insisted a deal must be agreed before the weekend if he is to leave Los Angeles Galaxy.

"I am still hopeful," Beckham said with the Milan derby coming up this weekend. "(Moving to Milan) is something I want to happen, we have to wait and see. We want it sorted out as quick as possible."

Los Angeles Galaxy boss Bruce Arena believes Beckham will honour his contract if a permanent move to Milan fails to come off rather than try to force his way out.

There has been no breakthrough yet, with talks ongoing.

Beckham, 33, equalled Bobby Moore's England record of 108 caps for an outfield player when he featured against Spain on Wednesday and the focus is now on where he will play his club football.

Arena told BBC Radio Five: "We understand his interest in wanting to stay at Milan but we need to protect the interests of the LA Galaxy first and foremost, and that's what we're doing.

"We will continue to examine this issue until the end of the week when the league has set a deadline for the transfer."

The former United States national team boss refused to reveal the fees involved.

"There are a variety of things we've discussed but it's not public information and when Milan give us what they feels is their best offer, we'll examine it and make a decision whether it's in the best interests of our club or not," he added.

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
What makes Chelsea and Arsenal target Eden Hazard tick?

Hazard warning

What makes Chelsea and Arsenal target Eden Hazard tick?
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon