MILAN: England midfielder David Beckham will return to AC Milan on loan in January after the Italian club reached an agreement with his American club Los Angeles Galaxy yesterday.

Beckham played for Milan for six months from January 2009, scoring two goals in 18 matches in a successful bid to win his place back in the England team.

Negotiations for Beckham to return had been ongoing between Milan and the Galaxy for a number of weeks.

"We are delighted to see David Beckham back in the red-and-black shirt after his splendid experience last season," AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said on the club's web site.

Beckham's initial move to Milan in January this year was tinged with controversy, after he opted to extend his three-month loan deal into the summer rather than return to California.

Booed to begin with upon his return, he has since repaired his reputation with the club's fans by leading the Galaxy into the play-offs.