AC Milan have announced they will sign David Beckham on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy on January 7th. Milan have not disclosed the length of Beckham's loan contract but the England midfielder has stated he will return to the United States in time for the start of the Major League Soccer season, which is expected to begin in late March or early April.

Milan director Umberto Gandini confirmed Beckham's stay in Italy would be a short one.

And the Serie A giants do not expect any opportunity to arise which would allow them to sign the 33-year-old permanently.

Beckham is seeking to maintain his match fitness to ensure he stays in the England squad, as he closes in on a record number of caps for an outfield player.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder has 107 caps, one behind the late Bobby Moore who led England to their 1966 World Cup triumph.

He hopes to retain his place in coach Fabio Capello's squad with a view to probably bowing out after the 2010 World Cup.

Capello has indicated he will only select players who are active with their clubs, and with LA Galaxy now in their off-season, Beckham risked being left out for upcoming games, including the proposed friendly against European champions Spain in February.

Gandini told Sky Sports News: "The deal will be as long as David wishes.

"I think his commitment to MLS and Los Angeles Galaxy will take him back after a couple of months.

"I think he will have to go back to Galaxy by the time the MLS starts, and training before that."

Asked about the potential for Beckham staying with Milan on a longer-term basis, Gandini said: "No, David is committed to the Los Angeles Galaxy and the MLS.

"He thanks them for the opportunity to let him train and work with us, we're very happy for that.

"Only David knows his future, but for sure he has a commitment to go back to the MLS and I think he will fulfil that."

Beckham will join a star-crammed squad at Milan, with the likes of Andriy Shevchenko and Ronaldinho soon to be team-mates.

"The players understand we are the premium brand," said Gandini.

"We are a fantastic club, one of the best clubs in the world.

"The fact they want to play with us is a great achievement.

"David Beckham will come to our club where he will have a lot of people and a lot of players that have his ability and status so I think it will be very beneficial for him and the English game."

Beckham is not certain to feature regularly for Milan, with nothing in his loan contract stipulating he will play in a specific number of games.

Gandini said: "David is coming as a Milan player and he will train with the other Milan players and the selection will be up to the coaches."