Laporta will fight to keep Beckham away from Real

Real Madrid will face a serious fight if they want to make a bid for David Beckham, a determined Joan Laporta promised on Thursday.

"If Real Madrid want to do a deal with Manchester United they'll have to get past us first," Laporta told a news conference.

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

Beckham's agents reacted to United's announcement of the Laporta agreement with a strongly worded statement, saying Beckham had no intention of negotiating with Laporta's people.

Speculation is growing that Real Madrid will come in with a counter offer, but Laporta is clinging to his agreement with the English champions.

"They can look for houses and schools for the children all they like but first they're going to have to come to terms with United," Laporta said. "We're the ones who have a deal with United."