Beckham could fill in for Pirlo

Source: Agencies  |   2008-10-24  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

DAVID Beckham could be an alternative to Italy's Andrea Pirlo as a deep midfield playmaker if he completes a loan move from Los Angeles Galaxy to AC Milan, coach Carlo Ancelotti has said.

"David can cover all the positions in midfield," Ancelotti told La Gazzetta dello Sport yesterday. "He could also play in Pirlo's position."

Chief executive Adriano Galliani said on Wednesday that Milan was in talks with the England international, who is usually a winger, over a short-term loan deal. The arrangement would enable him to maintain his fitness and stay in contention for the England team.

Galaxy plays the final match of its Major League Soccer campaign against Dallas on Sunday and if a deal is agreed, Beckham would join Milan in January before returning to Los Angeles for the start of the new season in late March.

England coach Fabio Capello, whose side has won four out of four as it bids to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, has hinted he would only pick Beckham for February's proposed friendly with Spain if he was playing.

During the last MLS close season, Beckham trained with English side Arsenal but was overlooked by Capello.