Beckham bid accepted
The Premiership champions' decision to reach an accord with the prospective Camp Nou supremo is certain to spark a summer auction for the England captain.
It is unclear how much Laporta has promised to fork out to procure the services of the midfielder but a figure in the region of £30 million is expected to be agreeable to United.
Barcelona's fierce Spanish rivals Real Madrid and Italian giants Milan and Internazionale have also expressed an interest in Beckham and the ball is now in their court to usurp Laporta's offer.
The Red Devils confirmed they had concurred on a deal with Laporta, who will surely be elevated to favouritism to win the presidential poll, but the Old Trafford outfit conceded several conditions had to be met before the transfer could be concluded.
"Manchester United confirms that club officials have met Joan Laporta, the leading candidate for the presidency of Barcelona. These meetings have resulted in an offer being made for the transfer of David Beckham to Barcelona," read a statement on the club's official website.
"This offer is subject to a number of conditions and, critically, to both Mr Laporta being elected President on Sunday 15 June and Barcelona subsequently reaching agreement with David Beckham on his personal contract.
"Manchester United confirms that in the event that all of the conditions are fulfilled then the offer would be acceptable."
Whether Beckham is amenable to a sensational switch to Barcelona is open to conjecture as, despite the glamour and support in Catalunya, the club cannot offer the 28-year-old Champions League football and may be forced to settle for a spot in the much-maligned InterToto Cup.
Beckham has stated his desire to stay at United for as long as the club want him but their successful relationship appears close to an acrimonious termination.
The England skipper did also admit he has never ruled out leaving Old Trafford and a move abroad later in the summer now seems to be a cast-iron certainty.
The only debate will be his destination as Barcelona will not be given a clear path towards securing his prized signature.
Champions League winners Milan have already baulked at paying £30 million for Beckham but now they know the dead-ball specialist is definitely for sale, they could be tempted into delving into their resources to capture the midfielder.
Real Madrid had previously been in pole position to snare Beckham and, if they renew their interest, they would surely hold the upper hand given the galaxy of stars in the Santiago Bernabeu stable.
One thing is for certain, the David Beckham transfer soap opera is primed to dominate the summer football headlines and several twists and turns are anticipated before the icon finally heads for the Old Trafford exit door.
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