BARCA MIFFED AT UNITED

Last updated : 17 June 2003 By editor

From the Sun.

FURIOUS Barcelona fear they have been double-crossed by Manchester United.

They were shocked by SunSport's picture yesterday of top United and Real Madrid officials meeting for talks over David Beckham in Sardinia.

Sandro Rosell, new Barca president Joan Laporta's right-hand man, gasped: "Oh no! If the story about this photograph is true, I will have to speak to the people at Manchester United and ask them what the situation is."

There is major embarrassment at both Old Trafford and Real's Bernabeu Stadium. And Barca will demand immediate answers from United chief executive Peter Kenyon, who led the talks with Real last Friday.

Laporta believed United would honour his contractual agreement with the club to buy Beckham in a deal worth up to £30million once he was voted in at the Nou Camp.

Laporta rapped:

"I don't think Madrid have stuck to FIFA rules. If I find out this is the case as far as David Beckham is concerned, we will have to take action."

Rosell added: "The contract for David Beckham was with us. If United have met with Real Madrid, I will have to talk to them."

Red-faced Kenyon was back at his desk yesterday after holidaying in the Mediterranean.

He stated only: "It would be inappropriate to comment on the matter at present."