The English tabloids boosted the LA Galaxy’s chances of retaining star midfielder David Beckham with talk of a potential offer by Galaxy owners AEG that could involve a vice president’s position with the company.
Meanwhile, the BBC this morning states as fact that Beckham will only decide between Paris St. Germain’s 18-month offer and a new one-year deal with the LA Galaxy once the club’s postseason tour has concluded.
The Galaxy arrived in Indonesia on Monday and Beckham reportedly had six bodyguards escort him through the airport in order to avoid the throng of fans. Here’s one photo of the madhouse following Beckham.
In case you missed it, NBC features the MLS Cup champs in this spot to promote the launch of the media giant’s new 24-hour sports channel which will feature MLS beginning in 2012. (VIDEO)
Back in Beckham’s native England, they are reporting that New York Red Bulls defender Tim Ream’s arrival for a training stint at West Bromwich Albion could result in “a loan deal with a view to a permanent move,” with Bolton Wanderers also reportedly in the hunt.
There’s an article from Sweden revealing that American forward Brian Shriver, who recently played for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the NASL, is trialing with newly promoted Swedish side Åtvidaberg AFF ahead of the new Allsvenskan season. Apparently, Shriver’s YouTube videos caught the club’s eye. (SWEDISH)
We know what New England Revolution captain Shalrie Joseph was doing this weekend. He was spotted at a party hosted by “Footloose” star Kenny Wormald rubbing shoulders with “Captain America” star Chris Evans.
Former New England Revolution player John Harkes may still have a role at ESPN despite being replaced by Taylor Twellman. That is according to an ESPN executive cited in today’s USA Today TV column.
More news from France, where they say that AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf could yet play for an MLS side when his contract expires in June of next year. But he may also be tempted by Brazilian soccer. (FRENCH)
Get used to the name of Swedish midfielder Valentino Lai, who revealed that there has been interest in his services from the USA. (SWEDISH)
Staying in Europe, a few of the big boys in Europe suffered shock defeats in weekend action. Barcelona dropped a result to Getafe and if you still can’t believe it, watch the highlights here. Bayern Munich also lost in the Bundesliga to SV Mainz in a goalfest (watch highlights). (VIDEO)
The semifinals are set in the Mexican playoffs with Tigres set to battle Querétaro, while Santos Laguna meets Monarcas Morelia. The big upset of the quarterfinal round came when los Gallos Blancos of Querétaro ousted favorites Chivas Guadalajara on Saturday night.
Back in the USA, the NCAA men’s tournament has reached the Elite Eight (see latest bracket here) with one of the biggest surprises delivered by Charlotte, which eliminated defending champions Akron 1-0. US Olympic manager Caleb Porter, who is the head coach of Akron, was disappointed: “We are not satisfied to make it to the round of 16. Our expectation is to win the national championship.”
The passing of Wales manager Gary Speed rocked all of British soccer yesterday and England’s Daily Mail is calling his death a mystery suicide as the tributes continue to flow, including this one from a Daily Mail sports writer.
In Italy, Michael Bradley and Chievo Verona may have been walloped by AC Milan 4-0 on Sunday, but in this interview the USMNT midfielder talks about how Chievo has been “a really good fit” and how there is an “attention to detail” when it comes to tactics in Italy. (VIDEO)
It’s not about tactics when it comes to Real Sociedad’s Iñigo Martínez and his penchant for scoring from his own half of the field. His left foot was again unforgiving as he scored his second goal of the season from long distance. (VIDEO)
One goal that will surely matter to American fans is the one scored by USMNT defender Timothy Chandler in Bundesliga action for Nuremberg. Watch it here. (VIDEO)
We’ll see if this catches on from the Bundesliga: Two Borussia Monchengladbach players use the rock-paper-scissors game to determine who takes a free kick. Bradley’s former club is flying high up to second place in the league standings.
Lastly, we leave you with highlights of 10-year-old Takefusa Kubo, the Japanese kid who is signed with Barcelona and has already moved to Spain with his mom. The way the ball sticks to his foot is reminiscent of a famous Argentine, who currently plays for the club. (VIDEO)
MLSsoccer.com Must-Reads:
Thomas Rongen’s American Samoa adventure ends in heartbreak
Bedoya, Edu and Glasgow Rangers suffer shock loss in Scotland
MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy unveil roster for Pacific Rim tour
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