Figo casts doubt on Beckham deal

Luis Figo has ruled out joining Manchester United in an exchange deal for David Beckham and cast doubt on reports that the England captain would sign for Real Madrid.

Figo, who has three years of his contract to run, said that the rumour that he would leave for United this summer stemmed from "people who want to destabilise Real Madrid because they see that the team is doing well and could do great things this season".

Figo expressed doubts that Madrid would attempt to sign Beckham this summer, despite a recent hint by the club's sports director Jorge Valdano that the United midfielder "would fit into our project".

"The problem is that it's just talk. I'm not saying this because Real Madrid hasn't got the the money to sign a particular player. I'm saying it because there isn't much money in soccer these days.

"The game is in crisis and business in general has changed. The days of the big signings are over."