Soccer-AC Milan play down Beckham, Totti
( 2003-06-13 16:40 ) (null)

Soccer-AC Milan play down Beckham, Totti and Stam speculation

European champions AC Milan have said they are not in talks to sign England captain David Beckham, Italy striker Francesco Totti or Lazio's Dutch defender Jaap Stam.

In a statement released on the club's official website on Thursday Milan said: "Whoever raises talks that do not exist, such as those that would relate to Totti, Beckham and Stam, do nothing but create false problems.

"Regarding those names. there are no talks because none of Milan's champions of Europe deserve to be ousted by other players."

Milan won the Champions League final last month against fellow Italian side Juventus 3-2 on penalties after a goalless draw.

The statement was explicit in pointing out the areas of the team that the trio could occupy are all currently filled.

"Milan has in their squad great attacking midfielders, great wide players and great defenders," said the statement.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani, who runs Milan on behalf of club president and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, was careful not to totally rule out future bids.

"If to bring in a star requires the sacrifice of an other that we already have then we prefer to confirm the faith and gratitude in those who have won the Champions League and Italian Cup with us," said Galliani.

Manchester United and England midfielder Beckham has long been linked with Milan but at the moment looks more likely to move to Spain.

Joan Laporta, a candidate in Barcelona's presidential election, has an agreement with United to sign Beckham if he wins Sunday's vote and can agree personal terms with the England captain.

Real Madrid are also reported to be ready to bid for Beckham but Milan's interest appears, on the surface at least, to be fading.

Berlusconi said this week that "there are many better ways of spending money that has been earned with many sacrifices other than hiring Mr Beckham".

Former United defender Stam has been linked with all the top clubs in Italy due to the ongoing financial problems at his Rome club Lazio.

Roma playmaker Totti, who scored in Italy's 2-0 win over Finland on Wednesday, hinted at the weekend that he could join Milan if Roma did not strengthen their squad with some major signings.

Totti has since backed down from the comments and appears ready to commit to the club he has played for since he was a schoolboy.