Beckham in talks to join AC Milan

By Mark Meadows and Antonella Ciancio

MILAN (Reuters) - Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham is in talks with AC Milan over a short-term loan deal which will enable him to stay in contention for the England team during the U.S. close season.

"Will he arrive? I believe so, yes. He will stay here at Milan on loan for some months, we are talking about it with his agent," Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani told Milan's official website (www.acmilan.com) on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old, who made his name at Manchester United where he won the 1999 Champions League, is one of the most marketable players and Milan will look to cash in on his fame.

"We will keep him for some months and then he will leave. Beckham has chosen Milan," said Galliani. "Our squad is ultra-competitive and it will stay like that but Beckham is something different and intriguing."

A spokesman for Beckham said talks over a short-term deal were ongoing. "As yet nothing has been confirmed," he added.

Galaxy play their final match of the Major League Soccer season against Dallas on Sunday and if a deal is agreed, Beckham would join Milan in January before returning to Los Angeles for the start of their new campaign in late March.

England coach Fabio Capello, whose side have won four out four as they bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, has hinted he would only pick Beckham for February's proposed friendly with Spain if he was playing.

During the last MLS close season, Beckham trained at English Premier League club Arsenal but was overlooked by Capello.