Beckham to Madrid? 'Never, never'
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MADRID, Spain (CNN) -- Europe's hottest football transfer saga has taken another turn with Real Madrid saying they will "never" sign England captain David Beckham.
The European champions issued a statement on their Web site Tuesday evening saying: "Contrary to the speculation that has surrounded this matter, Real Madrid have no intention of negotiating a deal to sign Mr. Beckham.
"Although the club has a policy of not using official channels to deny rumors, the present statement has been issued in order to bring an end to the growing speculation that, without any basis, has linked Mr. Beckham to Real Madrid."
Later, Real President Florentino Perez confirmed the statement. Asked if Beckham, 27, would sign, he said: "Never, never, never."
Perez added: "Nobody at Madrid has ever spoken about Beckham and I don't want to say anything more myself about this matter either."
Speculation has been splashed all over British newspapers since Real beat Beckham's Manchester United in the European Champions League last Wednesday.
Beckham, seen by analysts as the most marketable player in the world, lost his place in the starting lineup for that match, although he came on in the second half and scored twice.
The husband of singer Victoria Beckham, formerly "Posh Spice," was reported to have fallen out with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson following a dressing room bust-up earlier this season which left the midfielder with a cut over his eye.
