Premiership: We won't sell Beckham, says Kenyon

Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon insists David Beckham will not be sold.

Contract talks have stalled and Kenyon does not want the midfielder to be distracted during the run-in to the season.

It could mean discussions being put on hold until July, increasing the chance of Beckham leaving United on a free transfer in the summer of 2003 when his current contract expires.

This scenario has prompted speculation that the club are prepared to sell him now for £40m, but Kenyon dismissed such talk and claims the club have no intention of trying to cash in by selling him.

The chief executive also dismissed reports that Inter Milan and a number of other top European sides had already made approaches for the midfielder.

Kenyon said: "It's rubbish to say that there have been offers made for David Beckham. There have been no offers and we're not quoting to clubs.

"There have been no secret meetings to discuss selling him. Nobody has registered an interest with us so there are no complications on that front.

"We've not even reached the stage of thinking of selling David. It's not part of the consideration."

Kenyon admitted after eight months of talks the two sides are still some way apart, but he remains upbeat that a deal can be agreed and is convinced Beckham wants to remain at Old Trafford.

"He has indicated he wants to stay and we have indicated that we want to keep him, but it's proving difficult to fulfil," he said.