Profile: David Beckham Beckham's career in pictures

AC Milan president and Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi has rejected claims the Champions League winners are preparing a �30m bid for David Beckham.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani appeared to open the door for a move for Manchester United's England captain by claiming he was their top priority - but Berlusconi insists Beckham is not a target.

Berlusconi, in Israel for talks with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, said: "There are many better ways of spending money that has been earned with many sacrifices other than hiring Mr Beckham."

Milan, who are owned by Berlusconi's Fininvest company, had been touted as the new favourites to sign Beckham ahead of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Barcelona 'cannot afford' Beckham

And general director Ariedo Braida also insisted the transfer rumours linking the Manchester United midfielder to Milan were wide of the mark.

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Braida said: "No, we are absolutely not interested, they are just fantasy rumours that have been reported by the press.

"He (Beckham) is a great player, but there is nothing in it."

Speculation has been rife over Beckham's future all summer and United recently revealed they have received several enquiries regarding the 28-year-old.

The Old Trafford club confirmed: "Manchester United can confirm that clubs from Italy and Spain have expressed a firm interest in signing David Beckham.

"David's advisers SFX have also been approached by clubs independently and we are in regular and close contact with them regarding the status on those discussions, which are ongoing."

Meanwhile, Real Madrid official and former Spain striker Emilio Butragueno recognised Beckham's marketing value but would not comment on a possible transfer while the Spanish League is still in progress.

"Beckham is an icon," he said. "But we have two games left in our league and we are fighting for the title.

"We have to create the right environment for our players so we don't want to talk about future signings."