AC Milan willing to pay big to keep David Beckham

David Beckham is currently playing in Italy’s Serie A league “on loan” from the MLS LA Galaxy, but AC Milan is interested in keeping him there long term.  They’re willing to pay big for the privilege of having the former England captain in their lineup, but there are a number of hurdles they have to overcome despite a veritable blank check.

Beckham has played well since arriving in Milan, and over the weekend scored his first goal in Serie A competition.  AC Milan owner (and current Italian Prime Minister) Silvio Berlusconi has been so pleased with Beckham that he’s willing to spare no expense to keep him in Northern Italy.  Reports indicate that Milan is willing to pay the equivalent of $6.5 million (US) to the Galaxy as a transfer fee.  They’re also willing to pay Beckham a signing bonus to soften the blow of breaking his lucrative contract with the American Major League Soccer franchise.

AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani, however, has indicated that the Galaxy have yet to agree to the proposal despite the lucrative transfer fee they would pocket. He did indicate that the negotiations are ongoing and Milan is willing to deal, but that if the Galaxy don’t want to sell him there’s no option but for Beckham to return to the US.

"If Beckham comes to an agreement with Galaxy, we are ready to pay a figure. In the coming days we will meet his advisors.

"If Los Angeles Galaxy decide not to sell him, they won't sell him."

"The player wants to stay with us but even he knows he must return to America."’

In addition to the recalcitrance of the Galaxy, there’s another issue at hand—reports suggest that the former “Posh Spice”, Victoria Beckham, isn’t particularly excited at the prospect of staying in Italy longterm.  She is hesitant to relocate the couple’s three children again, and didn’t enjoy the experience of living in a non-English speaking environment during her husband’s tenure in Spain with Real Madrid.

In other words, in addition to convincing the Galaxy to part with soccer’s biggest star over the past decade they’ve also got to hope that the issues within the Beckham household get resolved.  Obviously no amount of money can ameliorate the misery of having to deal with an upset Mrs. Beckham.