Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins And Outs, November 25, 2011

Omar Gonzalez...off to Europe?

When you are a top defender playing for the champions of your league, the interest from Europe will build and build.

Such is the case of MLS Defender of the Year Omar Gonzalez, who is receiving interest from clubs in France, Germany and England, according to tribalfootball.

As a member of the 2011 LA Galaxy first team, he helped his side equal a league record by recording 17 clean sheets and setting a club record by allowing just 0.82 goals per game, which was the third lowest goals allowed per game average in Major League Soccer history.

Voted the Galaxy’s Defender of the Year by the local media for the second consecutive season, Gonzalez has played every minute of LA’s four postseason games, helping lead the Galaxy to a second MLS Cup berth and their third-ever title in his three years with the club.

A key hurdle to Gonzalez playing overseas is his callups to the USA men's national team. He has only been called up twice, so obtaining a work permit would be difficult. However, should Gonzalez be able to do so, a significant transfer fee will have to be paid by those willing to sign him.

What about Beckham?

Leonardo of Paris-St. Germain has been engages in talks with David Beckham about making a move to France, and the leaders of Ligue 1 at that.

Such a move could put Beckham in a spot to potentially win league titles in four different countries, something no Englishman has been able to do.

"Yes, we've spoken,” PSG sporting director Leonardo told The Sun, according to Greg Lalas of MLSSoccer.com. “These situations take time. We'll see if something suits him and suits us.

"I know his history and he doesn't need to tell me his past. He went to Milan and it was the same thing. There is a rapport with him.”

However in an interview by Sports Illustrated in October, Tim Leiweke, president of the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), is confident that no move will take place.

“I believe David will be here again next year,” Leiweke said. “People can make any offer they want. The loyalty he has to this club, because of the way we have treated him and stood by him, is going to be rewarded if we so choose to continue with David."

As if France hadn't been a distraction enough, Beckham has also been coveted by Italy. Again.