Former Real Madrid midfielder and all round football superstar David Beckham is planning a return to Serie A.  The 34-year-old enjoyed a productive loan spell with AC Milan during the latter half of last season and Becks claims he is closing in on a move back to the San Siro.

Beckham, one of the Manchester United youth academy’s most famous graduates, confirmed he has interest from England but admitted he would feel uncomfortable playing in the Premier League if it wasn’t for United.

“There are other options available, but none that will stop me going to Milan,” said Beckham. “It is close to being finalised.

“When I left, they said they wanted me to come straight back. I had such a marvelous time there. They are a great club.

“Harry Redknapp has been incredible about me, but I’ve always said since I left United that to play for another English club would be difficult.”

Beckham’s decision to return to top level European football is based on his desire to compete in the World Cup next summer.  England boss Fabio Capello has reportedly told Becks he has to be playing European football to stand a chance of being selected for the final squad.

A return to the Rossoneri will, of curse, be a massive benefit to Beckham, especially if he makes it into Capello’s squad.  His arrival in Milan will give the side a much needed boost as they have struggled in these early stages of the season.  They lie 12th in the league with just nine points from seven games and Leonardo’s men have won just twice this season.

The Milan hierarchy have backed Leonardo and insist his position as manager is not under threat, that may well be true at this moment in time but the basic fact of the matter is if results don’t improve the Brazilian could well be out of a job.  It is thought Beckham will return to Milan regardless of who is in charge at the time, he is discussing a deal now with a view to a January move, but a change in manager could put his return to Milan under threat.

On a personal note I would love to see Beckham competing in the World Cup next summer.  England may not be expected to win it but they should be among the World Cup betting favourites after their impressive qualification campaign.  When the former England captain was dropped by then boss Steve McLaren a few years ago I thought it was incredibly harsh on Beckham. He was still one of England’s most consistent players and always put plenty of effort in, yet he was chosen as the scapegoat by the frankly ridiculous McLaren.  A return to the England squad, even as a squad player rather than a star, would be a testament to the way Becks has behaved as a professional over the years and he should be seen as a great role model to all aspiring footballers.

It is a move that would benefit both parties.  Beckham will be given the opportunity to make the tournament in South Africa and Milan will get a player who is still perhaps the best in the world at spreading the ball around the pitch and delivering lethal crosses.  He formed a particularly effective partnership with Clarence Seedorf in his previous spell with the Rossoneri, while his arrival may force Ronaldinho to up his game.  Even at this early stage in the season Milan are way off the pace in the race for the title and I doubt many will be betting on them securing the Serie A this season, though Beckham’s arrival may be just what they need if they are to ensure they qualify for next season’s Champions League.