Rome  - David Beckham's attorneys are discussing with Los Angeles Galaxy the footballer's possible stay at AC Milan past the end of his loan contract on March 8, Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said on Wednesday.

Galliani told the Milan website that the California club are the legitimate owners of the 33-year-old English star but that Milan would be happy to take him over for good.

"If they are amenable to start a negotiation, we'll be happy to do it. In this moment there is neither optimism nor pessimism. The player belongs to Galaxy. We hope they decide to let him go, but if they don't change their mind, the player is theirs.

"We'll try to acquire him either as a loan until the end of season (late May) or as new owners, otherwise, with great displeasure from everyone, I for one, Beckham will have to leave.

"Players can make their choices, but clubs may say no to their desires. Galaxy, beside, have always been very kind with us and behaved very gentlemanly.

"In any case, at this time there is no negotiation, nor is there an offer from us. There are the attorneys of Beckham talking with Los Angeles. To open and close a possible negotiation there is time until the evening of March 8."

Beckham joined Milan in late December, as the US Major League Soccer takes its break, in order to keep fit for a possible call to join England's national team, which coach Fabio Capello said he would consider only if the midfielder played consistently.

Milan surprisingly fielded Beckham regularly since the Italian Serie A resumed on January 11 and he was convincing in the five games played, scoring two goals as Milan rose to second place six points behind Inter Milan in the Italian Serie A.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti Wednesday was quoted as saying that "with Beckham, our pursuit of the (Serie A) would be easier."

Beside commenting that he is enjoying very much his stay at Milan, Beckham last week said he intends to respect the agreement with Galaxy.

The US club are said to be paying the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player 4.3 million euros (5.5 million dollars) per season. His contract expires in 2011. (dpa)