The England midfielder last night confirmed he wants to stay at the San Siro on a permanent basis when his loan spell ends.

Beckham's loan deal is due to expire on March 9 but he now expects both clubs to discuss an agreement which will allow him to stay in Italy, with any permanent contract likely to take him at least to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where he hopes to play in his fourth finals tournament for England.

However, Arena would not be drawn over the 33-year-old's declaration and told Sky Sports News: "I really didn't have the opportunity to see the full context of his comments.

"However, we have been evaluating the situation.

"We are going to do in the end whatever is best for the Galaxy.

"There is always a contingency plan for everything.

"We are going to take it one step at a time.

"At the end of the day we are going to do what we think is best for our team as we continue to try to build this team to be a play-off contender."