“It’s over. It’s a shame.”
Those were the words of Paris-St. Germain sporting director Leonardo, who revealed that LA Galaxy star David Beckham will not be making the move to the French club due to family reasons. It’s the top news story on L’Equipe’s website this morning.
A report in England claims Beckham will sign a contract extension with the LA Galaxy “within the next week.”
There’s also new news regarding the possible loan deal for Robbie Keane to Aston Villa, according to the latest reports from England which claim that the Galaxy are willing to grant the loan for the right terms.
Meanwhile, Keane will stick it out in London, where we find out he’ll be training with Tottenham Hotspur through Jan. 20.
One Galaxy player already out on loan is Landon Donovan, and Everton’s official site has a lengthy interview with the American, who reveals: “Little disappointed that I couldn’t play on New Year’s Day. … My hope is that I’ll feel fit enough and ready and the manager wants to use me on Wednesday against Bolton.” (VIDEO)
A veteran soccer writer feels the New York Red Bulls need to stand up to Arsenal and prevent a Thierry Henry loan deal, citing the LA Galaxy’s experience when Beckham went on loan. The article points out how sporting director Erik Solér was adamant just weeks ago: “We’re not taking a loan for Thierry or any other players.”
Possibly making the jump from Europe to the United States is Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic, who is apparently considering a move beginning with the 2012 season although his contract runs through 2014. (ITALIAN)
Have FC Dallas landed their new central defender? According to El País in Colombia, the agent for Hernán Pertuz, formerly of Deportivo Independiente Medellín and the Colombian national team, says the player will be in MLS. (SPANISH)
The San Jose Earthquakes are hoping to have two Tottenham Hotspur midfielders in their ranks for 2012. In addition to re-signing Simon Dawkins, the Quakes confirmed they are in talks for a loan deal involving 19-year-old midfielder John Bostock.
Danish striker Rajko Lekic reveals the core issue standing between him and a potential return to the New England Revolution: a semi-guaranteed contract. He is not interested in it, but his daughter is making it tough on him: “She really wants to go back, she’s asking me, ‘Daddy, I want to go back to the school,’ and I’m saying, ‘Yes, yes, let’s see, let’s see.’”
It seems one Revs striker definitely won’t be back as news emerged that former New England Designated Player Milton Caraglio has signed for a club in Chile.
In other international news, another American has been selected as CONCACAF’s acting general secretary after Chuck Blazer’s resignation, which came into effect on Jan. 1.
Meanwhile, former MLS coach Juan Carlos Osorio is off to a great start as new head coach of Puebla. Before managing an official match, he has already said that he’d leave the Mexican club if offered the Colombian national team job. The clause reportedly exists in his contract. (SPANISH)
Staying at Puebla, it turns out former US international striker Eddie Johnson will not be signed by the club after failing to pass fitness tests.
Celebrity sighting! USMNT forward Jozy Altidore with Jersey Shore’s Snooki at a steakhouse. (PHOTO)
A day after Clint Dempsey and Fulham dented Arsenal’s title chase with a 2-1 win (watch the highlights here), American goalkeeper Brad Friedel and Tottenham Hotspur hope to keep pace with the pacesetters at home against West Brom today (2:30 pm ET, Fox Soccer, Fox Deportes).
There’s more English Premier League action with leaders Manchester City taking on Liverpool (3 pm ET, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes) and Wigan vs. Sunderland (2:30 pm ET, Fox Soccer Plus). Meanwhile, the Spanish Copa del Rey schedule offers a tasty Real Madrid vs. Málaga fixture (4 pm ET, GolTV) and Albacete vs. Athletic Bilbao (5 pm ET, ESPN Deportes).
For more on Tottenham Hotspur, here is USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann who says it’s a club that really deserves to be in the top four.” He also opines on the possibly Henry move to Arsenal in this article.
With all the talk surrounding a possible loan of Henry to Arsenal, we leave you with this four-part documentary which gives an inside look at the Frenchman’s world: “Definitely I was the hope of my dad. … At the start of everything, I wanted my dad to be happy.” (VIDEO)
MLSsoccer.com Must-Reads:
NBC Sports Network releases their latest MLS spot ahead of new season
FC Dallas winger Brek Shea selected as USMNT Breakout Player of 2012
Real Salt Lake’s residency program grows in size and stature
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