Beckham, Paris team near deal // Beckham, cerca de Paris

Report: Beckham, Paris team near deal
By Scott French
Special to ESPNLosAngeles.com


Paris Saint-Germain's pursuit of Galaxy midfielder David Beckham is "95 percent complete," French sports daily L'Equipe reported Monday, citing inside sources at the club.

Neither Beckham nor his representatives made mention of such a deal, and the English superstar hinted during the Australian leg of the Galaxy's postseason tour that he wouldn't be making a decision until after Christmas.

L'Equipe reported the club has made an 18-month offer worth $18.7 million to Beckham, whose five-year contract with the Galaxy expires at the end of December. The transfer window in France is open all of January.

The Galaxy also has made an offer to Beckham, who also has been pursued by Tottenham and Queens Park Rangers, both based in his native London. If he chooses to leave L.A., PSG is his likely destination -- the Qatari-owned club is looking to capitalize on Beckham's celebrity in a number of commercial ventures.

The Galaxy's owners, Anschutz Entertainment Group, are believed to have dangled an executive position within AEG.

"I can tell you that as of today, it's certainly not a done deal," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said Monday. "I think the Galaxy are very much interested in bringing David back. Again, it will be David's decision, but we're keenly interested in keeping the player here."

Beckham made $5.5 million per year, plus $5 million in additional compensation, during his contract with the Galaxy.

Arena also said negotiations continue on new deals with defender/midfielder Sean Franklin and midfielder Juninho.

Franklin, an MLS All-Star in 2011 who has played most of his career at right back but is perhaps better suited as a right-sided midfielder, is out of contract. Arena said the Galaxy have made him an offer.

"It's his prerogative whether to accept the offer or not," Arena said. "If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen, and we have to move on. … Hopefully, we can get something done this week."

Juninho's situation is more complicated. His loan from Brazilian giant Sao Paulo has expired, and the Galaxy would like to acquire him in a transfer. "He has an offer, knows where we stand," Arena said. "[Sao Paulo] knows that, his agent knows that, they just have to make a decision."

Arena said the league's salary cap will be $2.81 million in 2012.