Beckham move to PSG is far from signed and sealed

Reports suggesting David Beckham is on the brink of agreeing a move to French league leaders Paris St-Germain appear to be premature.

The 36-year-old's contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy expires after the current Major League Soccer season and PSG, who have been active in the transfer market following their takeover by the Qatar Investment Authority, have made no secret of their desire to lure the former England captain to the Parc des Princes.

A report in Le Parisien newspaper yesterday claimed Beckham could formalise his move to the French capital within a month, with a view to taking a break on the expiry of his Galaxy contract in December and linking up with PSG at the end of January.

The newspaper claimed that everything needed to conclude the deal was in place bar Beckham's signature, going so far as to state that accommodation for the player's family had already been sought out. Other reports in some UK press indicated that initial contact had been made between PSG and Beckham's representatives, but the Press Association reported yesterday that the speculation was unfounded.

Beckham has previously stated he is reluctant to make a decision on his future until the MLS season ends in November. His Galaxy contract ends on 31 December but he has not ruled out the possibility of agreeing an extension. Beckham has previously worked with PSG sporting director Leonardo during his two loan spells at Milan.

In Spain, Andres Iniesta is set to return for Barcelona after injury when the champions host Racing Santander tonight. The Spain midfielder has been out for a month with a hamstring injury. Eric Abidal and Cesc Fabregas are doubts as they, too, recover from hamstring injuries, while Alexis Sanchez and Ibrahim Afellay are out.

In Italy, Internazionale's woes continue with the news that striker Diego Forlan could be out for up to two months after pulling a hamstring in Uruguay's World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay on Tuesday.

Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder, who missed the controversial 3-0 home defeat by Napoli two weeks ago, has recovered from injury for the testing trip to Catania this afternoon. President Massimo Moratti has denied reports of a possible loan return of Anzhi Makhachkala forward Samuel Eto'o during the long Russian winter.