World Football Gossip Roundup: David Beckham, Luis Suarez, Demba Ba

Harry How/Getty Images

The Middle East is calling David Beckham, Liverpool still makes Luis Suarez happy and Demba Ba could be heading east.

There's a bit of everything in this Sunday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup—from Becks' latest options to an open letter from Chelsea's new manager to his fiercest adversaries: the fans.

All that and more inside. Keep reading for the details.

David Beckham Weighing Middle East Options?

Harry How/Getty Images

Two Middle Eastern clubs will make offers to former England midfielder David Beckham, according to the Daily Mirror.

Beckham, 37, played his final match for the Los Angeles Galaxy on Dec. 1 and has said he wants one more challenge before the end of his career. Qatari club Al-Sadd and United Arab Emirates club Al-Wasl are interested in signing him, according to the Mirror.

Former Real Madrid striker Raul plays for Al-Sadd.

The Mirror also lists Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco as potential options, along with a Major League Soccer expansion team.

Luis Suarez Staying at Liverpool?

Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez has said he is happy at Liverpool, seemingly downplaying speculation linking him with a move to Italian champions Juventus (via Sky Sports).

Suarez, 25, joined Liverpool from Ajax in January 2011. His transfer value is £28 million, according to Sky Sports.

"I know (Juventus want me) because it's been talked about quite a lot and I always read a lot of stories in the newspapers," Suarez said. "But I'm very happy at Liverpool. It is a club where many people would like to play."

Rafael Benitez Writes Open Letter to Chelsea Fans

Paul Thomas/Getty Images

New Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has written an open letter to fans saying he will work as hard as possible to bring success to the club (via RafaBenitez.com).

He writes:

From the moment I accepted the offer to join Chelsea, my team and I have worked towards improving the results and getting the wins that we all want—no matter what hours we have to put in and the effort and sacrifice in order to achieve this. That said, you should understand that is the first time since the announcement of my engagement with Chelsea that I have had time to write…

Benitez also thanked fans for their support. He was greeted with boos and protest signs in his first game as manager.

Benitez took over for the popular Roberto Di Matteo last month after Di Matteo led Chelsea to a string of poor results. Benitez led Chelsea to a 6-1 victory over Nordsjaelland in the Champions League this week, but the result was not enough to keep the defending European champions from exiting the competition in the group stage.

Benitez won his first Premier League match on Saturday as Chelsea defeated Sunderland 3-1.

Demba Ba Latest

Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala could out-bid Arsenal and Liverpool for Newcastle's Senegalese striker Demba Ba, according to Metro.

Ba, 27, joined Newcastle in 2011 and reportedly has a £7.5 million buyout clause in his contract. He has scored 10 league goals this season.

Ba reportedly wants a new contract worth £80,000 per week.

Manchester United to Win Race for Wilfried Zaha?

Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

Manchester United could win the race for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha by signing him in January and allowing him to spend the rest of the season on loan with Palace (via Daily Mail).

Zaha, 20, has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs with his performances in England's second tier the last two seasons. The Mail reports that Zaha is valued at £10 million.

Arsenal and Tottenham are also thought to be interested.

 

Follow @MikeCummings37