The 33-year-old England midfielder will join Milan on January 7 and could make his debut four days later away to Roma.

But he must return to the Los Angeles Galaxy by early March, to prepare for the Major League Soccer season, which is expected to start on March 19.

And all parties concerned are content with the terms of the deal, which was struck in Milan today, a week earlier than anticipated.

Milan director Umberto Gandini was asked about the potential for Beckham staying with Milan on a longer-term basis.

But Gandini told Sky Sports News: "David is committed to the Los Angeles Galaxy and the MLS.

"He thanks them for the opportunity to let him train and work with us, we're very happy for that.

"Only David knows his future, but for sure he has a commitment to go back to the MLS and I think he will fulfil that."

Beckham is not certain to feature regularly for Milan, with nothing in his loan contract stipulating he will play in a specific number of games.

Gandini said: "David is coming as a Milan player and he will train with the other Milan players and the selection will be up to the coaches."

The Serie A giants do not expect any opportunity to arise that would allow them to sign their new recruit permanently, and LA Galaxy are confident Beckham will be leading their push for honours next season.

Galaxy boss Bruce Arena last week described the deal as "an odd proposition" but has become convinced Beckham is making the right move.

"Clearly I think this is an ideal situation for David," Arena told Sky Sports News.

"It can benefit David, it can benefit England, it can benefit the LA Galaxy and hopefully it benefits AC Milan as well."

Arena stressed Beckham will be involved in LA Galaxy's pre-season training.

"David will be back and have a couple of weeks of training with our team and will be ready to really kick off in a good fashion in 2009," Arena said.

The former United States head coach recognises Beckham's desire to stay involved and active with England, which was a major motivation behind the move.

"I can't speak for David but what motivates any top-level footballer is the fact that playing for your national team is the greatest honour," Arena said.

"And having the potential to play in another World Cup is every player's dream.

"I think these are the things that motivate him."

Beckham is seeking to maintain his match fitness to ensure he stays in the England squad, as he closes in on a record number of caps for an outfield player.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder has 107 caps, one behind the late Bobby Moore, who led England to their 1966 World Cup triumph.

He hopes to retain his place in coach Fabio Capello's squad with a view to probably bowing out after the 2010 World Cup.

Capello has indicated he will only select players who are active with their clubs, and with LA Galaxy now in their off-season, Beckham risked being left out for forthcoming games, including the proposed friendly against European champions Spain in February.

The Italian expects Beckham will prove a "great acquisition" for Milan, the England coach's former club.

Speaking before the deal was completed, Capello told Milan's World Business Forum by satellite: "If Milan sign him they will make a great acquisition. He is a very focused lad. He is a professional."

Talks over Beckham's future were originally scheduled for next week, but the player's representatives and Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani met this afternoon to thrash out the transfer.

Writing on his blog on davidbeckham.com, Beckham this week said he was looking forward to playing in Italy.

He explained: "One of the reasons I want to train and play in Milan for a few months is the fact that the MLS season doesn't run as long as the European season and having played most of my career in Europe, my body has been trained and geared not to have that amount of time off.

"Obviously, I will be honoured to be given the chance to train and play with the likes of Ronaldinho and Kaka, but it also gives me the chance to keep my fitness up and carry that on for when I come back to the Galaxy for the new MLS season.

"Next season is an important one for the Galaxy."