Press Watch: Italian giants enter the race to sign Beckham

Sunderland's relegation could see Sorensen leave for United and Phillips sign for Tottenham

Sunday 27 April 2003 23:00 BST
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So is he going – and if so, where to? The Sunday papers were divided over the future of David Beckham. The People, for example, insists that the England captain wants to stay at Manchester United, while the Mail on Sunday says Beckham's move to Real Madrid is "all but done".

The Sunday Express believes United want to do a deal which would see Beckham go to Madrid and Ronaldo arrive at Old Trafford, while the Sunday Mirror claims that United will make a £40m move for Arsenal's Patrick Vieira if Beckham leaves. It also says that Milan are preparing to enter the race for Beckham's signature. The News of the World insists that Milan, Juventus and Internazionale are all interested in signing Beckham and would not be put off by his wage demands; it says that, in contrast, Beckham would have to take a £5m-per-year pay cut if he joins Real.

As for possible arrivals at Old Trafford, the News of the World has United are competing with Roma for the Auxerre defender Philippe Mexes, while the Mirror, News of the World and Mail on Sunday report United interest's in the Sunderland goalkeeper, Thomas Sorensen, who is also said to be a target for Birmingham and Leeds. If Sorensen joins Leeds, it is said that Arsenal and Manchester United could move for the Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Sunderland players are the subject of much speculation. The Mirror claims Tottenham will sign Kevin Phillips for around £3.75m. The People insists that Sunderland have turned down Portsmouth's offer of £3m for Phillips, while Manchester City hope to sign the midfielder Gavin McCann for £1.5m. According to the News of the World, Leicester plan a £1m move to re-sign Matt Piper.

Arsenal could be in for a busy summer. The News of the World reckons the Gunners are considering moves for the Valencia striker John Carew and the Benfica midfielder Tiago, while the Express says Chelsea's Eidur Gudjohnsen is a possible target. It says the striker will leave Chelsea for £6m, with Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma and Barcelona all possible other destinations.

The Express also claims that Birmingham want to sign Arsenal's Ray Parlour, though the People believes that the £4m-rated Brazilian midfielder Kleberson is the Blues' main target.

The News of the World is certain that Chelsea have joined Manchester United and Liverpool in the pursuit of Tottenham's Simon Davies, while the Mail on Sunday says Newcastle are preparing a £1m pay-as-you-play bid for the injury-prone Leeds striker Michael Bridges. The Mirror predicts that Newcastle will try to sign Feyenoord's Australian wing-back, Brett Emerton, for £2.5m.

The Mail on Sunday report that Blackburn want Barcelona's Frank de Boer – and believes his brother Ronald could follow him to Ewood Park from Rangers.

The Mirror says Middlesbrough want Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves. Newcastle and Everton are also said to be interested in Hargreaves, whose £6m price tag is likely to put off his preferred club, Arsenal.

The People reckon that Brighton's Bobby Zamora is heading for Tottenham, who could also pay Peterborough £500,000 for their striker Leon McKenzie.

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