Football's 'glamor boy' Beckham to play here

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino football fans may yet get to see the Azkals play against British superstar David Beckham and his LA Galaxy team before the year ends.

This is if negotiations between the Azkals and management of the Galaxy, a Beckham-led team that competes in top-tier Major League Soccer (MLS) in the US, for an exhibition match either Dec. 3 or 4 at the Rizal Stadium will progress and reach an agreement.

“Plans are being made to bring the Los Angeles Galaxy to Manila to play the Philippine men’s national team (“the Azkals”),” Philippine Football Federation treasurer Bonnie Ladrido posted on his blog.

 According to him, Tom Payne, president of Business Operations for the Galaxy, will be in Manila this week to “inspect the Rizal Stadium and conclude the negotiations.” He will be assisted by PFF governor and team manager Dan Palami and Cathy Rivilla, executive director of the Younghusband Football Academy, during his visit.

“The PFF and the men’s national team management will release a statement regarding the details of the exhibition match should the arrangements with Mr. Payne and the Galaxy be concluded successfully,” Ladrido said.

Apparently, initial talks have been positive as Azkals team coordinator already posted an announcement of the dream match on Twitter Saturday night.

“LA Galaxy and Azkals, Dec. 4 Rizal Stadium :),” Bright wrote, generating excitement among football fans.

The Galaxy, which also boasts of US national team star Landon Donovan and former Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool striker Robbie Keane, are on a tour of Southeast Asia and Australia.

They are reportedly eyeing the Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore as possible stopover before heading to Australia for match on Dec. 6.