We Can't Afford Beckham, Says Bassat

The favourite to win the forthcoming Barcelona presidential elections has revealed the Spanish giants can't afford to sign David Beckham.

Lluis Bassat also believes Italian giants AC Milan cannot afford to buy the England captain, who has been strongly linked with moves away from Old Trafford.

Bassat's rival Joan Laporta has promised Beckham will be playing his football at the Nou Camp next season if he wins the elections, but Bassat doesn't believe this is possible.

"AC Milan can't afford to pay for Beckham and they are in a better economic position than Barcelona," he said.

"Mr Laporta should explain how he's going to do all of this."

"I am not going to do anything to win the elections or fool the voters by using names to get votes," he added.

If Bassat's claims are true it would leave Real Madrid as the only club that have been strongly linked with the player that can afford to make the signing.

United added fuel to the fire yesterday by confirming they'd had interest from Spain and Italy.

A statement read: "Manchester United can confirm that clubs from Italy and Spain have expressed a firm interest in signing David Beckham."

"David's advisers, SFX, have also been approached by clubs independently and we are in regular and close contact with them regarding the status of those discussions, which are ongoing."

"David has been kept informed while on holiday."