ROME: AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani admitted on Monday that former England captain David Beckham would probably return to the Italian giants in January's transfer window.

Beckham spent the second half of last season on loan at Milan before returning to his American club Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the Serie A season.

He is known to be looking for another loan deal in January to allow him to play at the top European level so as to not scupper his chances of being a part of England coach Fabio Capello's World Cup plans in South Africa next year.

And speaking from an Italian Football League stand at a sports convention in Monte Carlo, Galliani said: "It's very probable that Beckham will come to Milan on loan until June 30 but I won't give any details while nothing has been signed."

Beckham's previous stint at Milan was highly successful as he scored twice in 18 league matches, although he could not inspire the seven-time European champions to the Serie A title as they finished third, 10 points behind champions Inter Milan.