Beckham closer to staying with AC Milan

David Beckham

MILAN — AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said the club was closer to completing David Beckham's transfer from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

“In the past few hours we have taken steps forward,” Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport after arriving back in Milan following the team's 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup late Wednesday.

There have been conflicting reports the past few days over the state of the negotiations following the expiration of last Friday's Major League Soccer-imposed deadline.

Milan's owner, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, has said he is hopeful that the England international star would remain at his club.

Speaking after a meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Berlusconi said: “I would like it if he stays with Milan because his passing is essential.”