David Beckham's representatives denied his move to French club Paris Saint-Germain was a formality and insisted the soccer star was still negotiating Friday with "a number of clubs."
PSG announced the hiring of former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti on a two and a half year contract Friday after earlier firing coach Antoine Kombouare, despite the team leading the French league.
But Beckham's reps, 19 Management, said claims that the 36-year-old midfielder was definitely joining the Italian in the French capital were false.
"There is no agreement with PSG at this time," they said in a statement. "An offer does not make a contract."
The former England captain enters the new year out of contract at MLS side LA Galaxy but looks to have his options open on whether to stay in the US or return to Europe.
"We continue to hold negotiations with a number of clubs," his reps added. "No decision has been made, and we do not expect one at the moment."
PSG sporting director Leonardo confirmed while unveiling Ancelotti on Friday that the Beckham deal was in the balance.
"It's not done yet, and it might not happen," he said. The Brazilian added that Beckham was more likely to be deterred by the upheaval of moving his family to Paris than for any soccer reasons, with PSG blossoming on and off the field.
The arrival of former AC Milan boss Ancelotti underlined the intensity of the club's Qatari owners to establish the team as a European heavyweight.
But the Italian played down speculation that his appointment will lead to a cavalcade of big-name players arriving at the Parc des Princes.
"We want to reinforce the team in January in certain sectors," he said. "But I don't want to mention names of potential targets." On linking up with Chelsea stars Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda, he said, "I have good [a] relationship with both. But bringing them here is another story."
