AC Milan want to extend former England captain David Beckham's loan period from Los Angeles Galaxy until the end of the season says the Italian club's vice-president Adriano Galliani.

Beckham, 33, is meant to return to the American club on 9 March but AC Milan have been trying desperately to either buy him - which they failed with what was termed by the Americans as a ridiculous offer of $3 million - or extend his loan after impressing since he arrived. "I hope I succeed in sorting it out that he stays till 30 June," Galliani told the club's television station.

"After that he can go back to Los Angeles, before returning to us next January (Beckham will cost nothing come 30 November). That is what we are trying to do. It is complicated as we always knew it would be, but we are still trying."

Beckham is keen to stay with Milan as he believes the higher level of competition helps his chances of figuring regularly in England coach Fabio Capello's plans, should England qualify making it to a fourth successive FIFA World Cup finals next year.