LA Galaxy expect Beckham back in California

The LA Galaxy expect David Beckham to return in March after AC Milan failed to meet a a Friday deadline to make the US club an acceptable offer for the England midfielder.

“Today’s deadline imposed by Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber regarding a resolution of David Beckham’s potential transfer to AC Milan has passed and we did not receive an acceptable offer for the player,” Galaxy general manager and head coach Bruce Arena said in a statement.

“As a result, David remains an LA Galaxy player and we look forward to having him back with the club starting March 9.”

Beckham is on loan to AC Milan until March 8, and his success there had prompted the club and the player to express a desire to make the move permanent.

Tim Leiweke, chief executive of Galaxy owners AEG, told the Los Angeles Times that no late offer would be considered, because the Galaxy and MLS must move forward with their plans for the upcoming season.

“He will be back here on March 9 and we don’t want to entertain any more conversations now,” Leiweke told the Times.

“It is a distraction to Bruce Arena, the team and the fans and we move on. That’s the last we’re going to talk about this.”

Reports in Europe on Friday had indicated that despite the deadline, negotiations would go on at least through the weekend.

Leiweke said he wouldn’t be surprised if AC Milan responded with an offer over the weekend or next week, but insisted the Galaxy didn’t intend to negotiate further.

“They’ll come back. Sure they will … That’s not fair. We owe it to Bruce and we owe it to the rest of the team. We’re a month away from our season.”

Leiweke told the Times that AC Milan had “never been in the ballpark” in terms of offering what Beckham is worth.

Leiweke also addressed speculation that Beckham would try to make up the financial difference out of his own pocket.

“I don’t think that’s his intent,” Leiweke said. “Nor would I encourage him to even think about that.”

The former England captain is gearing up for the big Italian derby against rivals Inter Milan this weekend.

The 33-year-old equaled Bobby Moore’s England record of 108 caps for an outfield player when he featured against Spain on Wednesday.

And Beckham knows that by playing for Milan, the former club of his international manager Fabio Capello, he should also secure his place in future England squads, perhaps all the way to next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

Having drawn level with Moore in Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat by Spain, there is now a serious possibility the midfielder could eventually surpass the overall appearances record held by goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who won 125 caps for his country.

“I would like to stay there, I?ve already said that,” Beckham said this week about staying in Milan. “I?ve nothing against Galaxy, I?ve had two great years there and there are some great players and great people there. But I’m really enjoying my football at Milan,” he said.

But Leiweke told the Times that the Galaxy’s focus now would be to “get David excited about the team we’re building here and coming back.”

Beckham joined the Galaxy amid great fanfare in 2007 on a five-year deal reportedly worth 250 million dollars (183 million euros). However, he does have a provision in his contract that would allow him to leave after the 2009 MLS season.