AC Milan Beckham deal deadline approaches

David Beckham is expected to learn whether his future lies in Italy or the United States by the end of Friday. The England midfielder has made it clear he wants to make his short-term spell at AC Milan permanent, but the Serie A side will have to move quickly after Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber insisted a deal must be agreed before the weekend if he is to leave Los Angeles Galaxy. With the Milan derby coming up this weekend, Beckham said: "I am still hopeful. (Moving to Milan) is something I want to happen, we have to wait and see. We want it sorted out as quick as possible." Los Angeles Galaxy boss Bruce Arena believes Beckham will honour his contract if a permanent move to Milan fails to come off rather than try to force his way out. It has been a memorable week for Beckham, having equalled Bobby Moore's England record of 108 caps for an outfield player when he featured against Spain on Wednesday. The focus is now on where he will play his club football. Arena said: "We understand his interest in wanting to stay at Milan but we need to protect the interests of the LA Galaxy first and foremost, and that's what we're doing." He continued: "We will continue to examine this issue until the end of the week when the league has set a deadline for the transfer."

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ITN | February 13, 2009

Tags:. .UK News. .derby. .midfielder. .deadline. .foremost