The new regime at Barcelona have said they are "80 per cent confident" of bringing David Beckham to the Nou Camp, and want to open talks with the player's representatives in the coming days.
New club vice-president Mr Sandro Rosell, who is newly-elected president Mr Joan Laporta's right-hand man, told the BBC that he is not worried about Beckham's perceived reluctance to discuss a move to the Catalan club, nor was he perturbed by rumours of a strong Real Madrid bid for the England captain.
He said that he wishes to meet with Beckham's representatives, if not with the player himself, over the coming days "about a proposal."
Earlier this afternoon however, it was reported that United could be ready to listen to a bid from Real Madrid for David Beckham after preliminary talks took place between the clubs. Chief executive Peter Kenyon and managing director David Gill flew to Sardinia last week to meet officials from the Spanish club.
It is understood the timetable now is for Barcelona to try and negotiate with Beckham or for Madrid to make an acceptable offer to United. Old Trafford's top brass are said to be in daily contact with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who is on holiday in France.
Beckham himself only returned from in America on Saturday. He is due to head out to the Far East later this week on sponsorship business.
The situation could become clearer next week as the Spanish League reaches a conclusion on Sunday. Madrid are within touching distance of the title while Barcelona are not even assured of a UEFA Cup place. They made have to settle for the Intertoto Cup.
