Adriano Galliani, the AC Milan vice-president, claims David Beckham's arrival in January is a dream come true for the club.

Milan announced yesterday they had reached an agreement which will see the England midfielder join on a short-term loan deal from Los Angeles Galaxy on January 7.

Beckham is expected to return to America in time for the start of the MLS season, which is expected to kick off on March 19 although the final schedule has not been finalised.

"David's arrival is a dream that becomes a reality," Galliani said. "We haven't written the contract but the agreement has been reached.

"Beckham will be at Milan on loan from January 7 until the start of the Major League Soccer, hence, for two months-and-a-half to three months."

However, Galliani admits that Milan's hopes of keeping the 33-year-old at the San Siro on a permanent basis are non-existent.

"That possibility is not practical because he has a contract with the Galaxy," he said. "The club want him to remain in Los Angeles and he is happy there. Moreover, he has many advertising contracts."

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, who was a target of the Rossoneri before making his move to MLS, could make his Serie A debut away to Rome on January 11.

Ancelotti has welcomed Beckham's signing as it will bring another touch of quality to a star-studded midfield with the likes of Kaka, Andrea Pirlo and Ronaldinho.

Ronaldinho, who joined the club on a permanent transfer from Barcelona this summer, is looking forward to playing alongside Beckham, a player he faced while in the Primera Liga.

"I am happy that Beckham is arriving," Ronaldinho said. "I hope he will help us. He has so much quality."