Real Madrid chief Valdano hits back at Beckham suspicions

Real Madrid sports chief Jorge Valdano has rejected claims that the club's official denial of interest in Manchester United's David Beckham was a ploy.

Real made similar comments about Ronaldo's transfer when he was with Inter Milan last year, but still managed to sign the Brazilian.

Valdano said, "We made a very clear point to bring an end to this matter. It is not true that this controversy is similar to that which existed in the months leading up to the signings of Zidane and Ronaldo, because it is the first time that the club have used an official channel to issue such an emphatic denial."