Milan Confident of Signing Beckham By End of Next Week

Milan are confident they will have signed David Beckham on a long-term deal from LA Galaxy by the end of next week after it was revealed that their organising director, Umberto Gandini, is flying out to Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Beckham is scheduled to return to American on 9 March following the completion of his loan deal at the San Siro but has made public his desire to remain in Italy, with Milan also keen to keep him.

Galaxy, however, are adamant that the England midfielder will return unless a fee of close to $15m [£10.5m] can be agreed between the two parties. Gandani is expected to offer something similar to that after he lands in LA.

"We are negotiating and trying to resolve the problem," said Milan's vice-president, Adriano Galliani, prior to yesterday's 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen in the last 32 of the Uefa Cup. "Friday could be the crucial day. Between our offer and their request there is still a margin but the will of the player is to remain. We will have to wait and see how this situation develops. There is still time."

Yesterday Kaka made clear his desire to see Beckham stay in Milan. "Maybe in the beginning it was only a marketing operation but the truth is that now Beckham is a key player for us," said the Brazilian. "I wish Milan can reach an agreement with the Americans because David can give us a great help this season and the following ones."