Beckham to join AC Milan on loan

David Beckham has agreed to move to AC Milan on loan in January, the Italian club has told BBC Sport.

The England midfielder, 33, plays for Los Angeles Galaxy, whose Major League Soccer season ends this weekend.

Speaking on Wednesday morning, Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said: "Beckham has chosen Milan. He'll stay here in Milan on loan for a few months.

"Our squad is ultra-competitive and it will remain this way but Beckham is something different and intriguing."

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is eager to stay in England coach Fabio Capello's plans during the MLS close season.

Beckham needs two more appearances to become England's most-capped outfield player, taking him past Bobby Moore, who played 108 times for his country.

Italian Capello has made it clear he will only select players who are active and in form.

The 2009 Major League Soccer season is due to start in April, so Beckham's loan move would only be short-term.

LA Galaxy, who had previously insisted that Beckham would not be able to move to another club on loan during their close season, will play exhibition matches in Australia and New Zealand in December.

Beckham will then join a stellar squad at Milan, which includes Brazilians Ronaldinho, Kaka and Alexandre Pato, as well as Italian internationals Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear he would welcome Beckham's arrival.

"For me, it will be a pleasure. Beckham is a serious athlete, a great professional," he stated.

"If he'll be available for us, we'll be very happy."

Beckham would be eligible to play for Milan both domestically and in the Uefa Cup.

Source: BBC Sport