AC Milan is close to signing David Beckham on loan from January, the Italian club said on Wednesday.
"He’ll stay here in Milan on loan for a few months. We’re discussing it with his agent," Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said on the club’s Web site.
Under the proposed deal, the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder and former England captain would stay with the Serie A club until the end of the season.
With the Major League Soccer season in the United States nearly over, Beckham is eager to join another club in Europe so he can remain fit for England’s World Cup qualifying matches.
England coach Fabio Capello has said he will not pick players who are not active.
"We’ll sign him for a few months and then he’ll go back. Beckham has chosen Milan," Galliani said at Malpensa airport before flying to a UEFA Cup match. "Our team is very competitive and will remain as is, but Beckham is something different and intriguing."
While many Italian clubs are struggling with attendance, Galliani noted that 65,000 fans showed up for Milan’s home game Sunday with Sampdoria.
"Buckram will bring more fans," Galliani said.
Beckham would join a stellar squad at Milan, including Brazil standouts Ronaldinho, Kaka and Alexandre Pato, plus Italy’s Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso.
"For me it will be a pleasure," Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "Beckham is a serious athlete, a great professional. If he’ll be available for four months with us, we’ll be very happy."
Ancelotti also indicated Beckham could play for Milan in the UEFA Cup.
"If he becomes available for Milan, evidently it will be for both in Italy and in Europe," the coach added.