AC Milan determined to keep Beckham

MILAN -- AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani reiterated his desire to keep David Beckham, saying Tuesday the club "will do everything possible" to secure the England midfielder's services.

Beckham's three-month loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy expires on March 8, but he has started all five matches and scored two goals.

"I think he does (want to stay), but I can only speak of what the club wants to do and Milan will do everything possible to have Beckham after March," Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It is evident that our will is there to keep him until the end of the season or even on a permanent transfer. There is hope, but contracts have to be honored. If the Galaxy want to start negotiations we will be happy to try, but they are right, the agreements are clear — on March 9 Beckham must return to America."

Beckham's performances have be so good that he has been included on Milan's 25-man roster for the UEFA Cup, even though he is currently only eligible for two games against Werder Bremen on Feb. 18 and Feb. 26.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder's presence has also been good financially. In January, he took part in a lucrative exhibition with Hannover and is expected to play some part in another against Rangers in Glasgow on Wednesday.

"(Beckham's marketing appeal) exists and we understand it following the many requests we have received to play friendly games, but it is not only his presence which attracts other clubs," Galliani said. "We have a group of stars."