Laporta wants clean fight for Becks
Laporta is hoping his ambitious promises will help overturn the lead afforded to Lluis Bassat in the polls, as David Beckham is not the only name on his wish list.
Unbelievably, there are also claims in the Catalan media that he will also look to tie up a move for Arsenal's Thierry Henry, as well as Fenerbache's much-vaunted keeper Rustu Recber.
As unrest grows among the rival candidates, who feel Laporta has not got the long-term interest of Barca's side as his priority, the outspoken potential supremo continues to fuel the flames concerning a switch for Beckham.
"It is certain that we have spoken to them, I do not deny anything," he said of Manchester United.
"The conversations we held with them this week were with Sandro Rosell and myself.
"He is a player that would put us in the top media and sports spotlight.
"In principle, we present the project and we are comfortable, confident, and doing a good work at all the levels, not only with this player.
"It is not evident that Real Madrid are one of those clubs (interested in Beckham) although, yes, I have understood that it is so.
"Madrid communicated that they were not interested and then we entered the equation.
"Therefore, I believe that we have not interfered with negotiations with any others.
"We trust that the thing turns out well. A noble and clean fight is acceptable for everyone."
How Laporta thinks he can convince the England captain to trade the club he loves for a team still unsure whether they will scrape into the Uefa Cup next season is another matter, and the midfielder is almost certain to prefer a move to Real if United insist that they want to dispense of his services.
