Beckham will sign for Milan - Galliani

David Beckham is to join AC Milan in January, according to club vice-president Adriano Galliani.

The England midfielder is under contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS, but their regular season finishes on Sunday. Galliani indicated at the weekend that Beckham would be invited to train with the club, however, it now seems he could sign a short-term deal.

"The player (Beckham) will train with us and in January he will sign with us until the end of the season," Galliani said at Milan's Malpensa airport ahead of his team's journey to Holland for Thursday's UEFA Cup game at Heerenveen.

"He will be available for coach Carlo Ancelotti for both the domestic competition and the UEFA Cup," he added.

"It's not just a marketing operation but a great acquisition."

Beckham had been linked with the Rossoneri before leaving Real Madrid for the United States.

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has given the blessing for the former Manchester United star to arrive to the San Siro because Beckham's arrival means there would be more competition for places in the squad.

"For me there are no problems," he said. "The players that will go on the bench will have problems."