London, Mar 7: English midfielder David Beckham will stay at Italian club AC Milan until the end of the season, before returning to LA Galaxy.

Beckham is said to be keen to stay in Italy, and a unique "timeshare" agreement has been reached, allowing the England midfielder to play for Galaxy between July and October.

He will then return to Milan in November for the remainder of the next season.

It is understood that Beckham is so determined to stay in Italy that he will fund the majority of the loan fee himself, SKY News reported.

Beckham will not have the sort of long summer break most players in Europe enjoy, but he will have several shorter breaks instead.

When asked if the former England captain would remain at AC Milan for the remainder of the campaign, club sporting director Ariedo Braida said: "I believe he will but it's not official yet."