Manchester United have conceded that the argument over where David Beckham will play next season is over and they may have to accept a smaller transfer fee for the England captain than they had hoped for.

The convoluted move from Manchester United is now down to details about money and players who might be swapped by Real Madrid. United have been insistent on a cash figure in the region of the £25 million that they had agreed with Juan Laporta, who has been elected president of Barcelona, but Real wanted to pay less and offer a player as a makeweight.

As Beckham seems insistent Madrid will be his destination, the Liga leaders are in a position of strength when it comes to haggling the price. It is believed Beckham has all but agreed personal terms with the club.

The last thing Ferguson wants is for the deal to drag on well into the summer, and he has instructed United's chief executive, Peter Kenyon, to have it tied up by the time his players report for pre-season training on July 7th.

Kenyon says they have absolutely no interest in a player-plus-cash deal, though that may change depending on the quality of the players who are trailed.

Given Real are determined to land Beckham, it may be that United will be able to prise at least a semi-precious jewel. Luis Figo has reportedly been on offer but may not fit Ferguson's plans. He would love to get his hands on Iker Casillas, the impressive young goalkeeper who has been with Madrid since he was an eight-year-old. He is likely to be too valuable to the Spaniards, however, and his buy-out clause is set at £42 million.

Guti, his French midfield colleague Claude Makelele or the young striker Javier Portillo would add to United's strength.

If United fail to land Damien Duff or Harry Kewell this summer, they may also be interested in Santiago Solari, the left-sided midfielder.

Guardian Service