On Friday, prior to the Los Angeles Galaxy winning its second consecutive MLS Cup, Tim Lieweke, president of AEG, which owns the Galaxy, told Sports Illustrated that he wants Brazilian playmaker Kaka to be David Beckham’s replacement. "We're well aware of Kaká's interest in MLS, and we in turn have made it very clear to him that he's aware of our interest in him," he said. "We have a great relationship with Real Madrid, and just as we worked through a player with them six years ago [Beckham], I'm absolutely convinced we could find the right deal this time, too." Lieweke is the man widely credited with bringing Beckham to the Galaxy in January 2007.

Kaka, who turns 31 next April, is around the same age Beckham was when the Galaxy signed him. As SI writer Grant Wahl says, at that age, the former Ballon d’Or winner might have enough in the tank to be a star in MLS for a five-year period as well. The Brazilian has played just 8 games for Real in all competitions this season, but he has also played for Brazil in its last three friendlies, indicating that the player may be on his way back to recapturing his form. Wahl also says that news of Lieweke’s intent to sign Kaka may be bad news for Chelsea’s aging star Frank Lampard, who at 34 may be too old to have as much of an impact on the American league.