Milan extend Beckham contract

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani says the club wants to extend David Beckham's loan period from LA Galaxy to the end of the season. Beckham, 33, is meant to return to the American club on March 9 but AC Milan have been trying desperately to either buy him – which they failed after what was termed by the Americans as a ridiculous offer of $US3 million ($4.7 million) – or extend his loan after impressing since he arrived.

"I hope I succeed in sorting it out that he stays till June 30," Galliani told the club's television station. "After that he can go back to Los Angeles, before returning to us next January (Beckham will cost nothing come November 30).

"That is what we are trying to do. It is complicated as we always knew it would be, but we are still trying.

" Beckham is keen to stay with Milan as he believes the higher level of competition helps his chances of figuring regularly in England coach Fabio Capello's plans and, if England qualify, make it to a fourth successive World Cup finals next year.