Beckham set for winter-long AC Milan loan

The former England captain is determined to keep his place in the national team and a spell on loan in Europe during the Major League Soccer close season could be beneficial.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani today stated his confidence that Beckham will arrive at the San Siro, however it is understood the 33-year-old has not yet committed to the deal.
Beckham is under contract with the LA Galaxy but their regular season finishes on Sunday.
Galliani had indicated at the weekend that Beckham would be invited to train with Milan during the coming months, however it now seems he could sign a short-term deal in January.
Galliani said this morning, at Milan's Malpensa airport: ''We are speaking with his agent but we believe he will arrive for some months on a free loan.''
He added: ''Beckham has chosen Milan. Our squad is ultra-competitive and it will remain this way, but Beckham is something different and intriguing.''
Beckham had been linked with the Rossoneri before leaving Real Madrid for the United States in 2007.
Milan head coach Carlo Ancelotti has given the blessing for the former Manchester United midfielder to join up with his squad, and provide more competition for places.
Ancelotti is looking forward to working with Beckham, who won his 107th England cap in the World Cup qualifying victory over Belarus last week.
Ancelotti told acmilan.com: ''For me it will be a pleasure, Beckham is a serious athlete, a great professional.
''If he is available for four months with us, we will be very happy.''
England boss Fabio Capello has been pleased with Beckham's contribution this year, although he has recently been a fringe member of the squad.
If Beckham moves to Milan - Capello's former club - then he will have the chance to demonstrate in Serie A that he remains a world-class player. Regular club football would almost certainly help his England prospects.
England have a busy start to 2009. They have a probable friendly against Spain lined up for February, plus a home friendly against Slovakia in March, and World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine in April, and Kazakhstan and Andorra in June.