AC Milan have confirmed that David Beckham will return to the club on loan in January.

Adriano Galliani, the AC Milan chief executive, said that negotiations had been finalised and that the England international would return to Serie A in the new year and play for the club until the end of the season in May.

"I've never spoken about buying players in January. I've read several newspapers that have written that but I never said it," Galliani said. "However, someone will arrive in January, a great boost for our midfield. He's an English player, his first name is David, you can try to guess what his surname is.

"It's practically certain at 100 per cent, the only thing missing is the signatures, but the agreement is complete. If you're thinking about David Beckham then it's him, anyone else, absolutely not."

The Los Angeles Galaxy and England midfielder knows he must play in a European competition this season to win a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad. Beckham enjoyed a successful stint at the San Siro last season and has always said he was keen to return to Milan. During last season's stint at Milan, Beckham played 18 league matches, scoring twice.

Beckham made his 115th England appearance against Belarus last month.

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