Beckham anticipates January Milan return

David Beckham is confident of returning to AC Milan for a second loan spell in January as the England midfielder seeks to improve his chances of playing at next year's World Cup.

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David Beckham is confident of returning to AC Milan for a second loan spell in January as the England midfielder seeks to improve his chances of playing at next year's World Cup. England manager Fabio Capello has already said the Los Angeles Galaxy player must return to a top European championship to have any hope making his squad for South Africa, prompting the 34-year-old midfielder to seek another stint in Serie A. Originally overlooked by Capello, Beckham won back his England place during a successful loan period at Milan in the second half of last term.

"It's simple. I want to return to Milan and Milan have said they would be happy to have me back," Beckham told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "If it's all right with Milan and it's all right with me, I don't see what problems there could be. No, I don't think there'll be any problems and I think I'll return when the transfer market reopens in January." Beckham dismissed speculation linking him to a return to the English Premier League. "There's no danger of the destination changing," he said when asked about a possible move to former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea. "I was happy at Milan. I'd like to take things where I left off in May."

Roma captain Francesco Totti could miss the start of the Serie A season with a thigh injury. It is the latest blow for the 32-year-old playmaker, who has struggled with injuries over the past few years. Coach Luciano Spalletti said: "At the moment it seems it's nothing serious but there is some swelling." * Agencies