Beckham to extend AC Milan stay

David Beckham will stay at AC Milan until the end of the season after a 'timeshare' deal was finally agreed with Los Angeles Galaxy.

The 33-year-old former England captain will then re-join LA Galaxy for several months, before returning to Milan at the end of the year.

Beckham was scheduled to return to Galaxy on 9 March, but wants to make a permanent move to the San Siro.

It is understood he has agreed a salary cut to ensure the move goes ahead.

The Englishman, who signed a five-year deal with the Galaxy in January 2007, moved to Milan in January to stay fit during the Major League Soccer off-season and so maintain his bid for an England place.

Milan have been impressed with the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, however, and are keen to make the move permanent.

Beckham has scored two goals in nine Serie A games during his time with Milan.

The deal follows weeks of negotiations between the two clubs during which Milan baulked at the size of the transfer fee Galaxy were demanding - thought to be around £12m.

Beckham's desire to play for a top club in order to cement his place in the England squad for the 2010 World Cup finals led to him effectively funding the unique loan deal himself.

The only issue that has yet to be settled is Beckham's position at the end of next season - under the arrangement he will only be on loan at Milan until then.