The 34-year-old had already spent time on loan with AC Milan from his American club LA Galaxy from January this year to June and is desperate to make the England squad for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

"I need to give myself the best chance possible to make the World Cup squad and playing for Milan on loan will help me to do that," Beckham said in a statement on the Galaxy website.

"I genuinely enjoyed my time at Milan and I look forward to meeting the players and staff again.

"I'm thankful to Tim Leiweke and Bruce Arena for allowing me this opportunity. I'm committed to LA Galaxy and MLS in the long term and remain as passionate as ever about growing the game of soccer in America.

"I'm completely focused on ending this season on a high note with my club by winning the MLS Cup."

A statement on the Milan website said that Beckham would once again stay at the San Siro from January to June.

"We are very happy to see David Beckham back in the red and black shirt after the splendid experience we had with him last season," said Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani.

"We're sure that this spell in Europe will help him to take part in the next World Cup and then continue his career at Los Angeles Galaxy, whom we thank for their help."

Beckham's initial move to Milan in January this year was tinged with controversy, after the right-sided midfielder opted to extend his three-month loan deal into the summer rather than return to California.

Booed to begin with upon his return, he has since repaired his reputation with the club's fans by leading the Galaxy into the play-offs. Beckham has mainly been used as a substitute by England coach Fabio Capello, who nonetheless seems likely to offer him a place in England's 23-man World Cup squad.