DAVID Beckham will not sign for an Italian club, according to former Azzurri hero Gianluca Vialli.

Beckham is one of the most sought after players in world football and, along with England team-mate Michael Owen, has been continually linked with a move to Serie A.

However Vialli, who is currently in charge at Watford, believes both players will stay in the Premiership.

"I don't think they will come (to Italy) because their clubs don't need the money and will never sell them," Vialli told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"English players are born in a different environment which is difficult to leave behind.

Hard championship

"It could only change if they would like to try Italy - not for money but to prove themselves in a championship as notoriously hard as Italy's."

Vialli added that the Italian fans' belief that the result is everything was a reason for making a move unlikely.

"In England, football is a sport - in Italy, it is a game. Sport is based on honour, respect for the rules and the opponent - in the game, the object is always to get a result," he said.

Beckham has under two years to run on his current contract and speculation about him leaving Old Trafford is sure to mount the longer it takes for him to re-sign.

If he was to look elsewhere, AC Milan would lead the chase as, backed by Silvio Berlusconi, they would be able to make an offer that combined a contract for Beckham with a television deal for wife Victoria.

Do you think Beckham will stay at United? Let us know your views.

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