Beckham

Beckham set to return to AC Milan

Beckham is keen to play in the 2010 World Cup

LA Galaxy are close to agreeing a loan deal with AC Milan that will see David Beckham return to the Serie A side in the January transfer window.

Parent club Galaxy said they were aware that playing in Italy would help the 34-year-old improve his chances of featuring in next summer's World Cup.

"We appreciate what he's doing here with England," Tim Leiweke, chief of Galaxy's owners AEG, said in London.

"We want to get a deal done for him and for us."

The midfielder revealed last week that a deal was close to being finalised.

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"David was probably saying a little bit more than he should but he is right, we're going to get something done and we're going to take care of him," said Leiweke.

"He's a class act, a great player and I'm proud of what he's doing with the national team.

"If David's not playing over here [in Europe] in January, he's not going to be on the national team during the World Cup.

"So we would be honoured to do that again if it helps David because we want to make sure he fulfils that dream."

Leiweke added that the former England skipper would not be required to return from Milan to Los Angeles before the World Cup in South Africa.

The midfielder returned to the England squad during a successful loan period at Milan last season.