Valdano admits Beckham move to Real Madrid is unlikely
Speculation linking the Manchester United and England midfielder with Real emanated from comments earlier this week, ironically made by Valdano, that signing Beckham could be "the next big project" for the European champions.
But Valdano, involved in the transfers of Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo to the Bernabeu, has moved to quell the rumour mill he started as his team prepare for their clash with United in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
"In respect to the much-commented question about David Beckham, the possibility that Beckham will one day play for Real Madrid is very remote," he said.
Speculation about Beckham's possible arrival in Madrid had in turn triggered uncertainty about Luis Figo, who would be the most obvious candidate to lose his place in the side should the Englishman arrive.
The Portuguese winger, who has three years remaining on his contract, has been talked about as a make-weight in a possible deal to take Figo to Old Trafford or a switch to AC Milan.
However, Valdano has also tried to kill off any speculation regarding Figo's future. "The possibility that Figo will leave Madrid is not remote it is impossible," he said.
Valdano's comments on Beckham yesterday followed remarks by Real great Alfredo di Stefano, who believes there is no space for the England captain in the club's star-studded squad.
Di Stefano said: "Madrid have some excellent players, and if the coach wants to introduce a player such as Beckham into the team and the team is triumphant then that's great.
"Let's see who's going to be the one to bring him here. Maybe we could use 12 or 13 players."
Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque said: "If the club think it convenient for us to have a certain player, then it is because they think he will be able to help us we won't sign him if he is going to present us with a problem."
Meanwhile, Quinton Fortune is emerging from a season of injury hell desperate to impress Alex Ferguson enough to earn a new Manchester United contract.
The South African's present deal expires at the end of the season and the indications are Fortune will successfully conclude negotiations on an extension.
After an impressive personal World Cup campaign with South Africa and an excellent mid-season stint in central midfield for the Red Devils last autumn, Fortune has erased any doubt over his talent.
On a mid-season trip to South Africa, Ferguson suggested a new four-year contract would be offered. So far though, there is no agreement.
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