‘So what are we to make of the odd tale of Real Madrid and David Beckham?
I would hazard a guess that there is no smoke without fire in this case and there has to be a chance that Beckham, along with his out-of-sorts Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs, will be heading for the Old Trafford exit door at the end of the season, especially if Real prevail in the Champions League quarter-final between the two clubs and United fail in their attempt to win the Premiership.
United would be looking to pocket about £40m for the sale of Beckham, which may sound an outrageous sum in a depressed football economy until you consider the fact that Real are desperate to emulate the multi-million-pound industry which is spawned by the sale of shirts, scarves and other knick-knacks bearing United's name. Signing Beckham, one of the world's most instantly recognisable footballers, then begins to look more like a business gamble worth taking.
The protests of the United faithful would be huge. Unless you have watched a match at Old Trafford, it may be difficult to appreciate the affection there is for Beckham. To them he is up there with all the United greats.
It takes a brave man to cast such a player aside but I would not be surprised if Sir Alex Ferguson did precisely that, because it is glaringly obvious that the United manager is often distinctly unimpressed by the show-pony side of Beckham's character. Beckham's ability on the pitch may have saved him being jettisoned some time ago, along with the little matter of the millions he generates for the plc, but Ferguson may be ready to take the big decision now.
Finally Rawlings draws on a historical reference ‘..seasoned Fergie watchers might say he would look at the £60m he might pick up from the sale of Beckham and Giggs as the ideal opportunity to rejuvenate his side once again. After all in 1995 he did the unthinkable and sold Ince; in 1996 United won the Double.’
The Spanish press is still stirring it with Real Madrid director of sport Jorge Valdano again hinting that Beckham might join the Spanish club. Valdano was asked whether Real intended to recruit "Zidanes (world stars) or Pavons (homegrown players)".
"We can find some Pavons, but it is difficult to find many Zidanes. Beckham is one of those players without doubt," said Valdano in Spanish paper AS.
"I can also think of other names in Italian and English football, who have great ability and who could also be useful to Madrid. At the moment there is nothing focused on Beckham, but I think there is so much interest in the press to take the story further that no matter how much we deny it, we are not going to be able to forget Beckham's name until the end of the season."