David Beckham is confident of returning to AC Milan for a second loan spell in January as the England midfielder seeks to improve his chances of playing at next year's World Cup.

England manager Fabio Capello has already said the Los Angeles Galaxy player must return to a top European championship to have any hope making his squad for South Africa, prompting the winger to seek another stint in Serie A.

Originally overlooked by Capello, the 34-year-old won back his England place during a successful loan period at Milan in the second half of last term.

"It's simple - I want to return to Milan and Milan have said they would be happy to have me back," Beckham was quoted as saying in Friday's La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"If it's all right with Milan and it's all right with me, I don't see what problems there could be. No, I don't think there'll be any problems and I think I'll return when the transfer market reopens in January."

The player also dismissed speculation linking him to a return to the English Premier League.

"There's no danger of the destination changing," he said when asked about a possible move to Chelsea, now under former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"I was happy at Milan. I'd like to take things where I left off in May."