Brief thoughts on three stories:
More Beckham Nonsense
Reports have AC Milan's bid to make Beckham's loan permanent at 14 million pounds; seems about right to me, no matter what some will say. If MLS is willing to sell him, they have to be realistic about his value as a footballer and leave out all of the extraneous stuff. If they don't want to let him go (which might lead to a much messier ending), then I guess they could play hardball and let Milan make a tough decision. Just for perspective, 14m pounds is $19.86 million as of this morning.
Links:
David Beckham could stay at AC Milan if LA Galaxy accept £14m bid
We want Becks for good and will pay £14m to keep him, reveals Milan chief Galliani
USA World Cup Bids
The USA World Cup bids for 2018 and 2022 have spawned a host of stories and opinion on the subject; I may address it more in depth soon, but it won't be about the USA's chances to secure a Cup (mainly because it's going to be covered to death). I'm more likely to talk about what American soccer may look like when (or if) the world's biggest sporting event returns to the States. Contrasting what a potential Cup might mean for the game here, and the environment that Cup would take place in versus how things were in '94 may also be worth a few words. Opinion seems to be that that we're more likely to get the 2022 World Cup than the 2018 version, although it's all purely speculation at this point. As an admittedly biased observer, I'd like to think one bid or the other are bound to be successful. USSF seems to have all of their ducks in a row.
Links:
Univision executive Downs to direct U.S. bid
USA more likely to get 2002 World Cup
The case for the USA
Beasley Transfer Nixed
Bundesliga side Schalke apparently made a move for DaMarcus Beasley, but wanted him on a free transfer (which Rangers weren't going for). The move would have made me happy if it meant first team football for DMB. The man needs to be on the pitch as we head towards 2010, and it's just not happening at Rangers.
Link:
Schalke bid for Beasley rejected
