David Beckham will join Milan on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy in January after the deal was sealed with his lawyers, the Serie A club said yesterday.

"AC Milan announces David Beckham's arrival on loan. Agreement has been reached and it is official," said a statement.

"The English player will be a Rossonero from Jan. 7, 2009."

No details were given on when the loan deal would end.

However, Milan's sporting director Umberto Gandini told Sky Sports News: "He (Beckham) has a commitment to go back to the MLS and I think he will do that."

Since news of the proposed deal broke this month, Beckham, US Major League Soccer and a slightly reluctant Galaxy all said he would return to Los Angeles for the start of the new season in late March.

The 33-year-old is joining Milan to keep up his fitness during the United States close season and stay in contention for an England squad place.

He has 107 caps and needs two more to beat Bobby Moore's England record for an outfield player.

The MLS regular season finished at the weekend with Galaxy failing to make the play-offs.

England coach Fabio Capello, who dropped Beckham while they were together at Real Madrid, said Milan were doing good business. But he did not say whether the midfielder's loan move would help his international prospects.