MLS boss sets Friday deadline on Milan deal for Beckham

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber has set a Friday deadline for AC Milan to complete a transfer deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy for English star midfielder David Beckham.

Garber said Wednesday that the league will not approve any transfer that is not completed by Friday even though Beckham’s three-month loan to the Italian club does not end until March 8, 11 days before the US league’s season begins.

“There is no reason why this should drag on,” Garber said. “They either want to do it or don’t want to do it. This Friday we need to know if they want to buy David Beckham or not.”

Galaxy operators AEG chief executive Tim Leiweke told the Los Angeles Times that AC Milan’s first offer for Beckham was too low, although Garber said Wednesday that no formal offer was made.

The MLS commissioner also said Beckham has an escape clause in his contract that he can use to leave MLS after the 2009 season.

Beckham, 33, signed a five-year deal worth 250 million dollars in January 2007 with reportedly 80 percent of the money for non-playing activities and opportunities.

Beckham has scored twice for Milan and will be on the team’s roster for UEFA Cup matches February 18 and 26 against Werder Bremen.