Beckham's statement a negotiating tactic, Laporta says

Joan Laporta believes the statement released on David Beckham's behalf expressing his disappointment at Manchester United's agreement to sell him is likely to be a negotiating tactic.

Laporta has an agreement with United to buy Beckham for an undisclosed fee provided he wins Sunday's presidential election and can convince the England captain to join Barca.

Beckham's agents SFX issued a statement on Tuesday saying the player was surprised and disappointed by United's announcement earlier in the day that they were conditionally accepting Laporta's bid.

Laporta said he remained confident a deal could be done, however, adding that he had already begun negotiations with Beckham.

"I respect the stance taken by the agents," Laporta said at a debate between the presidential candidates on Tuesday night. "Their role is to get the best for the player."

"It could be a negotiation tactic and I respect that absolutely."

"The negotiations with the player have begun. We'll continue to try to arrive at an agreement."