AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani has revealed David Beckham's lawyers are in talks with Los Angeles Galaxy over extending the midfielder's stay at the San Siro.
Beckham has been a revelation since arriving at Milan, where he has scored two goals, and on Sunday provided two key assists to help his side to a 3-0 win at Lazio - a result which propelled them to second in the Serie A table.
The England midfielder's loan deal is set to end on March 9th but Galliani has already admitted the club would love to keep him at the San Siro for longer and he has now revealed the wheels have been set in motion for that to happen.
"Beckham's lawyers are talking to the Los Angeles Galaxy, who are the rightful owners of his registration," said the Milan chief. "If they show themselves to be ready to look at a deal, we would be really happy to do so.
"At the moment there's neither optimism nor pessimism.
"The player belongs to Galaxy. We wish they decide to release him, but if they don't change their minds the player is theirs.
"We are looking to get him either on loan until the end of the season or on a permanent basis. Otherwise, with the greatest regret from everyone - starting with me - Beckham will have to go."
Galliani added: "Players can make their choices but their clubs can refuse their wishes.
"Moreover, the Los Angeles Galaxy have always been very nice to us and have behaved in a very gentlemanly manner.
"In any case at this moment there are no dealings and we haven't made an offer, but Beckham's lawyers are talking with Los Angeles.
"There is time until March 8th to get us round a table and close a possible deal."
Beckham's arrival has boosted the Rossoneri, who have avoided defeat in their last five league games while climbing to second in the Serie A standings, six points behind league leaders Inter Milan.
Beckham remained tight lipped as he arrived in Scotland on Wednesday.
The former England captain touched down just before midday at Glasgow Airport with the rest of his team-mates ahead of the friendly with Rangers but refused to answer any questions.
However, Peter Mooney, head of consultancy with Employment Law Advisory Services, has warned the Los Angeles Galaxy "hold all the cards" as Beckham's future comes under the spotlight again.