OFFICIAL: Ruud Gullit to Coach Becks @ GALAXY!!

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David Beckham and Ruud Gullit at LA Galaxy?

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GALAXY CONFIRM: The Galaxy said Thursday that Gullit would be introduced Friday at The Home Depot Center, where they play their home games.  

It is being reported that Dutchman Ruud Gullit has entered negotiations to become the new head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy. 

The side, popularised by David Beckham, have been managerless since ex-coach Frank Yallop opted to return to the San Jose Earthquakes last week, and the Galaxy's general manager Alexei Lalas is understood to favour a high-profile replacement.  .

Names sensationally linked to the vacancy include José Mourinho, Fabio Capello and Jürgen Klinsmann, but Gullit, who has been out of management since leaving Dutch side Feyenoord in 2005, is the clear frontrunner. 

Previously the former AC Milan and PSV legend, had coached Chelsea and Newcastle.  Gullit, 45, was World Player of the Year in 1987 and 1989 while with AC Milan and and one-time European Footballer of the Year.

Simon Fuller, of Entertainment 19, David Beckham's management company is said to have put together the shortlist of coaches.  It is also being reported that David Beckham, although not consulted on the appointment of Gullit, is happy with the choice.

Gullit is expected to earn over $2 million per year as coach at Galaxy, plus sponsorship awards.

Gullit and David Beckham could be at loggerheads over the former England captain's international career. In August Gullit said that he believed it was time Beckham quit international football but the midfielder wants to continue playing for England until the 2010 World Cup.

Sources said that if Gullit agrees to coach the Galaxy, Cobi Jones, who will retire as a player once the Galaxy completes its trip to Australia and New Zealand later this month, could become Gullit's assistant coach.