It is the player who holds all the aces, and he could inflict serious damage on United's own transfer plans if he decides to become embroiled in a war of attrition with Ferguson.

BBC: Beckham's transfer options

In an article published today in the Los Angeles Times (a copy of which is attached), Gaffney encouraged stockholders in defense corporations like Lockheed to recognize the serious damage hostile takeovers of their companies would likely inflict, both on their own investment and on the national interest.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center Warns Against Corporate Raids On US Security