BECKHAM REFUSES TO GO AWAY

Last updated : 12 May 2003 By editor

Oliver Kay in the Times:

‘It will be weeks before it becomes apparent whether David Beckham’s appearance at Goodison Park yesterday was his last in a Manchester United shirt, but his departure moved a little closer over the weekend when Peter Kenyon, the chief executive, confirmed that the England captain will be sold if the price is right. If Real Madrid or any of his Italian admirers ever doubted that Beckham was available for transfer, they will have been encouraged by Kenyon’s announcement that "we would have to look at" any offers in the region of £35 million.

Kenyon could be seen to be making a general point, as he said that every player had a price, but, to those unconvinced by the continued denials from all parties, his statement about Beckham was a significant one. By professing his love for United last Tuesday, the 28-year-old put pressure on his employers to make the next move. Neither party wishes to be seen to initiate what would be a controversial transfer, but there is no longer any doubt that a move is favourable to both sides if the terms are right.

"I think we would have to look at any offer like that," Kenyon said when asked if an offer of £35 million would tempt the club to sell. "It would be remiss of us not to. That is the case for David Beckham and anyone else in the squad. David is a critical part of the team, but things change. Ultimately players retire, so for any key figure in the team there is a life-span. Even if David sees out the rest of his career at United, there will be a time when we have to replace him."’