David Beckham "could cost as much as A$200,000 ($208,000) a game, but his price tag has not deterred three A-League clubs from ramping up their bids to sign the superstar on a 10-match guest stint," according to Dominic Bossi of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Perth Glory, Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Heart "are on standby and are only awaiting his decision to select Australia as a potential destination before entering advanced negotiations with his management." The Glory will be offering Beckham the most lucrative deal "across any football code in Australia." Glory CEO Paul Kelly said, "We've made an offer in the region of $2M. [Glory owner] Tony Sage [will fund the deal], there's no investment from anyone else." Melbourne Heart "became the first club to enter preliminary negotiations with Beckham's U.S. management team after holding a teleconference" Monday night. It is "understood that the club offered a deal worth about A$1.5M." The Heart will contribute around A$600,000, and the remaining sum "is likely to be topped-up by a third party" (SMH, 12/4).
