Laporta reiterates desire to sign Beckham

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta plans to spend £35m (€49.6m) on David Beckham and on another as yet unnamed player if he wins the club’s elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Barcelona this morning, Laporta said: “Manchester United yesterday confirmed their support for my candidacy and my attempts to bring Beckham to Barca.

“The negotiations have been hard but we have arrived at an agreement which interests both parties.

“We respect Beckham’s position but a player of his characteristics will make our team stronger with his leadership skills.”