Beckham still in Spain? -- Rumors that David Beckham might be coming to L.A. earlier than scheduled may be cooling off, now that his Real Madrid manager has said Beckham may yet be allowed to play in Real's games. In a fit of pique, the coach, Capello, had said Beckham would be permitted only to train with the squad since he had chosen to abandon the club. This partial about face opens teh door to the possibility that left off the roster for the Copa del Rey game against Real Betis.

Also left off the roster was Ronaldo. Apparently, reports that the Brazilian star striker might be headed to the U.S. were also a bit premature. It seems Ronaldo is about to ink a deal with AC Milan, to play for the Serie A club for one and a half seasons. This would put off his U.S. debut until at least the summer of 2008 -- if it ever happens. The move to AC Milan should stoke the crosstown rivalry with Ronaldo's old club team, Inter Milan (Internazionale) -- the team that was retroactively declared last season's champion, after the match-fixing scandal penalties moved the top finishers, Juventus and AC Milan, down the table (standings).