Beckham eager to stay with Milan

David Beckham has confirmed he wants to secure a permanent move to AC Milan from his American club LA Galaxy.

Beckham denied his lawyers were talking to the Galaxy, as Milan general manager Adriano Galliani had claimed, but hopes the two clubs can agree a deal.

"I have expressed my desire to stay," he said. "Now it's just down to Milan and Galaxy to come to an agreement.

"I have enjoyed my time here. I knew I would enjoy it but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I have."

Beckham was speaking in Glasgow on Wednesday after playing the first 45 minutes for Milan in their 2-2 friendly draw with Rangers.

The England international, 33, is on loan at the San Siro until 9 March and has helped lift Milan to second place in Serie A, scoring in his last two games.

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"I've expressed my desire to stay here for a while but at the moment I'm still a Galaxy player," Beckham said.

"I respect the Galaxy and everything they have done for me. They have always been great to me."

But Beckham added: "I hope they can come to an agreement and it's down to the clubs now. At this point it's out of my hands. I've said what my feelings are to both clubs.

"To be given the chance again to play at this level at my age is pretty incredible and I've enjoyed it so much I would like to continue it. I think people have seen the way I've been since playing at this level again."

One of Beckham's key reasons for joining Milan on loan was to prove himself to England manager Fabio Capello and after putting in such impressive performances in Italy so far Beckham now believes the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is a realistic target.

"It's nothing against the MLS and the football over there, because it's a game that will grow but it will take quite a few years.

"I'm still confident that will happen eventually, but I want to have a chance of being involved in 2010 and I believe my best chance of doing so is to remain here."

Galliani had said earlier on Wednesday that Beckham's lawyers were already talking to Galaxy.

"If they show themselves to be ready to look at a deal, we would be really happy to do so," Galliani said.

Beckham is registered with the Serie A giants until 30 June, so if a deal is agreed with the Major League Soccer side then the loan term can be extended outside the transfer window, which closed on Monday.

Milan have taken that into account by including the England player in their Uefa Cup squad.

"We are looking to get him either on loan until the end of the season or on a permanent basis," added Galliani.

"Otherwise, with the greatest regret from everyone - starting with me - Beckham will have to go.

"Players can make their choices but their clubs can refuse their wishes.

"Moreover, Los Angeles Galaxy have always been very nice to us and have behaved in a very gentlemanly manner.

"In any case, at this moment there are no dealings and we haven't made an offer but Beckham's lawyers are talking with Los Angeles.

"There is time until 8 March to get us round a table and close a possible deal."

The Galaxy refused to discuss Galliani's claims. Spokesman Patrick Donnelly said on Wednesday: "We have no comment to make."

However, the former general manager of LA Galaxy, Alexi Lalas says Backham's England career may be the reason he wants to stay in Italy while also recognising the significance his departure would have on the game in America.

"I know how important it is for David to play with the national team," said Lalas.

"Obviously he feels that for him and maybe for Fabio Capello, the best route in order to do that is to be at Milan.

"He has obviously done great things on the field since he has been there and I think he is happy by all accounts.

"For the Galaxy, for Major League Soccer and for soccer in the United States, obviously it is a loss."

Sagnol forced to call it a day

FC Bayern München and France defender Willy Sagnol has confirmed his retirement from the game due to an achilles tendon injury, ending a career that brought him 58 international caps and UEFA Champions League glory in 2000/01.

'No surgery possible'
The 31-year-old initially suffered his injury during training last July and complications linked to the surgery he underwent at the time have prevented a comeback. Speaking on French television, Sagnol explained that it was time to concede defeat in his comeback battle. "It's an injury which won't heal," he said. "There is no surgery possible and no option other than ending my career. That's the realistic decision. Doctors have tried everything in France and abroad and I have to thank them all, but there was no other possible outcome. My first goal now is to spend time with my family. I have three children and there will still be good moments to come, even if they're not on a pitch."

Bayern honours
A right-back by trade, Sagnol began his professional career at his hometown club, AS Saint-Etienne, making his Ligue 1 debut during the 1995/96 campaign. After two years at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, he joined AS Monaco and celebrated championship honours in 1999/00 at the end of his last season in the principality. From there, the often outspoken player signed for Bayern, where he collected five Bundesliga titles and four German Cups. The highlight of his stint in Germany, however, was the UEFA Champions League victory in 2000/01, when Bayern overcame Valencia CF on penalties in Milan after the match had ended 1-1.

France career
Sagnol never matched those heights at international level, having made his France debut against Turkey on 15 November 2000, a little over four months after Les Bleus won UEFA EURO 2000™. He nonetheless lifted the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001 and 2003 and reached the FIFA World Cup final in 2006, before making his 58th and final appearance during the UEFA EURO 2008™ group-stage loss to the Netherlands.

Raúl joins Di Stéfano as Madrid's top marksman

Raúl González entered the record books again on Saturday evening when he drew level with Alfredo di Stéfano as the top scorer in the history of Real Madrid CF. The 31-year-old striker opened the scoring in the 2-0 victory against CD Numancia in the Spanish Liga to reach 307 goals in all competitions with the capital club, matching the historic landmark of the honorary president of the Merengues.

Fourteen-year success
Raúl's rise to Madrid greatness started on 5 November 1994, a week after his debut against Real Zaragoza, with a goal against city rivals Club Atlético de Madrid. Since then, the club captain has scored 214 goals in 503 league matches, as well as setting a competition record of 64 in 123 games in the UEFA Champions League. In addition, Raúl has added to his tally in the Copa del Rey (35 matches, 18 goals), the Spanish Super Cup (12 matches, seven goals), the UEFA Super Cup (four games, one goal), the Intercontinental Cup (three matches, one goal) and the FIFA World Club Championship (four matches, two goals) to reach his current figure.

Title goal
The Madrid striker was delighted with the personal achievement but stressed the value of the victory and thanked his team-mates for their help. "The most important thing is the victory but it was very nice to reach Alfredo's record," said Raúl. "I hope to overtake him in the upcoming matches. To reach that figure you must be at Real Madrid, playing up front, and with very good coaches and team-mates, the likes of which I have had. I am pleased and happy but what I want is to win more titles." Madrid coach Juande Ramos also stressed the importance of the talisman to his side. "Imagine the heights he has had to reach to match Di Stéfano," he added. "Di Stéfano was one of the greatest players there has been so to equal his record says everything. He brings a lot to the team and scored the first goal tonight, which was crucial to helping us to win the game."

Faubert seals loan switch to Real

West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert has joined Spanish giants Real Madrid on loan until the end of the season.

The Frenchman, 25, was given permission to talk to Real after struggling to secure a first-team place this season.

Real will pay a £1.5m fee for the loan, with the option to buy Faubert at the end of the season on a three year-deal.

Faubert, who joined West Ham from Bordeaux for £6.1m in 2007, passed a medical in Madrid on Saturday and will be officially unveiled on Sunday.

Faubert ruptured his Achilles tendon shortly after joining West Ham, which kept him out of action until January 2008.

Madrid have been searching for a right winger during the transfer window and have been linked with Jermaine Pennant, Aaron Lennon and Antonio Valencia.

The Hammers signed midfielder Radoslav Kovac on a loan deal on Friday and have also signed striker Savio Nsereko during the transfer window.

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury: "I was first contacted by Madrid on Friday and after extensive negotiations, we have agreed in principle a deal that would see them paying us a £1.5m fee to take Julien until the end of the season.

"His long-term future would then be reviewed in the summer, with a significant transfer fee payable should Madrid want to take up their option.

"Julien has struggled to get into Gianfranco Zola's team this season and, despite the high hopes we had for him when he joined us 18 months ago, he has not had the best of times.

"He had asked the manager about a possible move and we felt it right to let him talk to Real Madrid."

Pompey sign striker Gekas on loan

Portsmouth have signed Bayer Leverkusen striker Theofanis Gekas on loan until the end of the season.

The lona deal includes an option for Portsmouth to sign the 28-year-old Greek international permanently.

Gekas is yet to receive international clearance but his expected arrival will boost Pompey's striking options having sold Jermain Defoe earlier in January.

"His goalscoring record his fantastic and he's always looking to score goals," said Pompey manager Tony Adams.

"He's a player that I think can come in a do really well straight away.

"He's certainly hungry to do well and hopefully he can hit the ground running."

Defoe's departure to Tottenham in January left Adams with only Peter Crouch, Kanu and David Nugent to chose from.

Portsmouth position in the Premier League is precarious with the club just one point above the relegation places.

Pressure is growing on manager Adams to improve results with his side also crashing out of the FA Cup in January, after they lost 2-0 to Championship side Swansea City.

Gekas has won 35 caps for his country, scoring 12 times, and Adams feels his experience will be vital for Portsmouth.

He said: "He plays for the Greek national team and recently came on against Italy and scored.

"A couple of years ago he was the highest scorer in the Bundesliga. The Bundesliga is a fantastic league, so that's not an easy feat."

Vidic suspended for Inter match

Nemanja Vidic will miss the first leg of Manchester United's Champions League tie against Inter Milan after being banned for one match by Fifa.

The suspension comes after the Serbian defender's sending off in the Club World Cup final in Japan in December.

Vidic received a red card for lashing out with an elbow in United's 1-0 victory against Liga de Quito.

United are due to play Inter in the Champions League first knock-out round at the San Siro on 24 February.

Vidic could have been suspended for up to three games, but Fifa confirmed he would be banned for the next "club competition match at confederation level".

That effectively means the first clash against Inter.

The player was also fined 5,000 Swiss francs (£2,985). United have no right of appeal against the punishment.

Vidic was red carded for a clash with the Ecuadorian side's Claudio Bieler after 47 minutes of the game in Yokohama, which United won thanks to a late Wayne Rooney goal.

Beckham makes AC Milan Uefa squad

David Beckham has been included in AC Milan's Uefa Cup squad despite technically only being able to play in two of their games.

Beckham's loan spell with AC Milan is set to end on 9 March, at which point he is due to return to the LA Galaxy.

But the Italian giants have made no secret of their desire to keep the 33-year-old and his inclusion has added to rumours that he may stay beyond March.

Beckham again starred for his new club as they beat Lazio 3-0 on Sunday.

The England midfielder set up two goals as the Rossoneri closed the gap on Serie A leaders Inter Milan to six points.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star also played a full 90 minutes, proving his fitness to England boss Fabio Capello after being an injury doubt before the game.

Beckham crossed for Alexandre Pato to open the scoring before the break and then later whipped in a free kick which Massimo Ambrosini headed home for 2-0.

Kaka settled the game late on scoring his third goal in two games, as Milan moved above Juventus, who lost on Saturday.

Beckham has been in fine form since arriving in Milan on loan, scoring twice in four games.

If he does return to the America's MLS, Beckham would only be available for the Uefa Cup's last-32 games against Werder Bremen on 18 February and 26 February.

"We have included him because he is playing well," said AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"We want to take advantage of his form for the two games against Werder Bremen."

The England star was a doubt before the Lazio game after injuring his abductor muscle in the 1-1 draw with Genoa.

But he again proved his fitness to Capello ahead of February's friendly with Spain in Seville.