AC MILAN have made it clear today that they want David Beckham to remain with them on a permanent basis. The Italian club, who have signed the England midfielder on short-term loan, said they will enter into talks with his current club Los Angeles Galaxy about keeping him.

AC MILAN have made it clear today that they want David Beckham to remain with them on a permanent basis.

The Italian club, who have signed the England midfielder on short-term loan, said they will enter into talks with his current club Los Angeles Galaxy about keeping him.

AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani said: “In the next few days we will be meeting with his manager.

“If he decides to release himself [from his contract with LA Galaxy] and wants to do so, we would welcome him with open arms.”

Beckham is due to return to the American club in time for the start of the Major League Soccer season when the deal runs out on March 9. But he has impressed so far, playing in all three of Milan'sgames this year and scoring for the club on Sunday. Indeed AC Milan players have already taken to superstitiously patting his bottom in order to keep the good luck he has brought to the side.

Galliani says they would financially compensate the 33-year-old for any losses that came about from leaving Galaxy.

He said: “If Beckham reaches an agreement with the Galaxy, we would be prepared to pay a certain sum.”

Beckham appears to have settled in well in his new surroundings and knows his future in the England national team could hinge on his decision.

England coach Fabio Capello is due to watch him in action for the Rossoneri in their Serie A clash with Genoa tomorrow night and Beckham is aware how much more exposure he would receive in Italy compared to the States.

Galliani added: “The player wants to stay with us, but even he knows that he has got to return to America.”