Election victory edges Laporta closer to Beckham deal

JOAN LAPORTA was last night elected as new president of Barcelona, clearing the first hurdle in his attempt to sign England captain David Beckham from Manchester United.

Laporta had his bid to sign the United midfielder accepted by the Old Trafford club last Tuesday, subject to several conditions.

They included the Catalan lawyer winning the club's elections, which he did, claiming 52.5% of the 51,520 votes cast by club members. Luis Bassat, who led the polls until Laporta announced his intention to sign Beckham, finished second with 31.8%.