"David Beckham's return on loan in January is already a done deal," football-Italia.net quoted Adriano Galliani as saying to Sky Sport Italia.

The move is likely to boost Beckham's chances of becoming part of England's squad for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

He returned to the national team fold in the second half of last season after spending a fruitful six-month loan spell with Milan.

England coach Fabio Capello advised him to play for a top European side to have any chance of making his squad for the World Cup.

Milan have made a disappointing start to their Serie A campaign, gaining just nine points from their first seven games.