Beckham lawyers look to extend Milan loan

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AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani has revealed David Beckham's lawyers are in talks with the Los Angeles Galaxy over extending the midfielder's stay at the San Siro.

Beckham has been a revelation since arriving at Milan, where he has scored two goals, and on Sunday provided two key assists to help his side to a 3-0 win at Lazio - a result which propelled them to second in the Serie A table.

The England midfielder's loan deal is set to end on 9 March but Galliani has already admitted the club would love to keep him at the San Siro for longer and he has now revealed the wheels have been set in motion for that to happen.

"Beckham's lawyers are talking to the Los Angeles Galaxy who are the rightful owners of his registration," said the Milan chief. "If they show themselves to be ready to look at a deal, we would be really happy to do so.

"At the moment there's neither optimism nor pessimism.

"The player belongs to Galaxy. We wish they decide to release him, but if they don't change their minds the player is theirs.

"We are looking to get him either on loan until the end of the season or on a permanent basis. Otherwise, with the greatest regret from everyone - starting with me - Beckham will have to go."

Galliani added: "Players can make their choices but their clubs can refuse their wishes.

"Moreover, the Los Angeles Galaxy have always been very nice to us and have behaved in a very gentlemanly manner.

"In any case at this moment there are no dealings and we haven't made an offer, but Beckham's lawyers are talking with Los Angeles.

"There is time until March 8 to get us round a table and close a possible deal."

Beckham's arrival has boosted the Rossoneri, who have avoided defeat in their last five league games while climbing to second in the Serie A standings, six points behind league leaders Inter Milan.

The 33-year-old has proved so effective that coach Carlo Ancelotti included the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star in Milan's updated Uefa Cup list, despite the fact he will only be available for two games if he has to return to LA.

So highly does the Milan boss rate Beckham that he claims the Rossoneri's Scudetto chances depend on his permanence at the San Siro.

"The Scudetto race would be much easier for us if he stays," Ancelotti told Sky Italia. "He has given us a new boost in quality and in enthusiasm, he has given this team an added extra.

"He has added his own qualities to the team, in the way he plays, his focus, his qualities of assist and in the goals that he has scored.

"He has give a great contribution that we didn't expect."

Ancelotti reiterated his desire to keep Beckham at the club, but once again insisted he is powerless to make that happen.

"I'm a realist," he added. "I know that he will be with us until March 9, we have to try and take advantage of that in the best way possible, as he is doing now.

"Then, what will happen after March 9, no-one can know.

"His desire is to stay - he hasn't hidden that - but it's a problem between him and the Los Angeles Galaxy. In this we, as a club, cannot get involved."