Real deny Beckham meeting

Real Madrid have played down suggestions they met with the directors of Manchester United on Friday to discuss the possible transfer of David Beckham.

United chief executive Peter Kenyon has reportedly taken part in secret talks regarding Beckham with Real bosses in Sardinia.

Real director of sport Jorge Valdano admitted there had been a meeting between the two clubs but claimed that it had nothing to do with the England captain.

“They were directors of marketing from Madrid and directors of marketing from Manchester United and we have business interests in common, the question of David Beckham’s transfer is not something marketing directors will talk about,” said Valdano.

When asked whether Beckham would a Real player in time for their tour of the Far East, Valdano added: “We will be in Asia as a club, but as for Beckham they are just rumours.

“Until the end of the season we don’t want to talk about Beckham.”