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January 1, 2012

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Beckham likely to stay in LA

PARIS Saint-Germain's bid to sign David Beckham from the Los Angeles Galaxy may be thwarted by family matters, the French club's sporting director Leonardo said on Friday.

Leonardo has made no secret of his admiration for the 36-year-old former England captain, but told a news conference that there are other factors that may influence whether Beckham joins when the transfer window opens next week.

"He is in LA. He has his family over there. We have talked a lot and we are still talking, but I'm not sure it will be done," Leonardo said as PSG introduced Carlo Ancelotti as its new coach.

French media reports all pointed to Beckham's arrival as a near certainty, with talk of an 18-month contract and an estimated monthly salary of 800,000 euros (US$1.05 million).

"We have a very good rapport with David Beckham, but we never said it was a done deal. We have studied it and we are studying it," Leonardo added. "It's always been a question of personal matters (with Beckham)" rather than contract issues.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's defensive options are set to be bolstered by the signing of Bolton center back Gary Cahill after the two clubs agreed on a fee for the England international.

The 26-year-old Cahill, who is out of contract in the summer, has started negotiations with the London club over personal terms, although Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas said the two parties were still "miles apart regarding an agreement."

If the transfer goes through, Cahill would cost Chelsea a reported fee of around 7 million pounds (US$11 million) and provide competition for fellow center backs John Terry and David Luiz.

"I think his technical attributes are immense. His pace is fantastic as well," Villas-Boas said.


 

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