MILAN, Italy — AC Milan is close to signing David Beckham on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy, the Italian club said Wednesday.

Under the proposed deal, the Galaxy midfielder and former England captain would join the Serie A club in January and play there until the end of the season.

With the Major League Soccer season nearly over, Beckham wants to join another club in Europe so he can remain fit for World Cup qualifying. England coach Fabio Capello has said he will not pick players who are not active.

"We'll sign him for a few months and then he'll go back," said AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani, addding that Beckham chose the Italian club. "Our team is very competitive and will remain as is, but Beckham is something different and intriguing."

Beckham would join a dominant team that already includes Brazil standouts Ronaldinho, Kaka and Alexandre Pato, and Italy's Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso.

"It will be a pleasure," Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "Beckham is a serious athlete, a great professional. If he'll be available for four months with us, we'll be very happy."

Ancelotti also indicated Beckham could play for Milan in the UEFA Cup.

"If he becomes available for Milan, evidently it will be for both in Italy and in Europe," the coach said.

Many Italian clubs are struggling with attendance and, while Galliani noted that 65,000 fans showed up for Milan's home game Sunday with Sampdoria, he acknowledged that "Beckham will bring more fans."