The England midfielder has made it clear he wants to make his short-term spell at AC Milan permanent, but the Serie A side will have to move quickly after Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber insisted a deal must be agreed before the weekend if he is to leave Los Angeles Galaxy.

"I am still hopeful," Beckham said with the Milan derby coming up this weekend.

"(Moving to Milan) is something I want to happen, we have to wait and see. We want it sorted out as quick as possible."

Los Angeles Galaxy boss Bruce Arena believes Beckham will honour his contract if a permanent move to Milan fails to come off rather than try to force his way out.

There has been no breakthrough yet, with talks ongoing.

Beckham, 33, equalled Bobby Moore's England record of 108 caps for an outfield player when he featured against Spain on Wednesday and the focus is now on where he will play his club football.

Arena told BBC Radio Five: "We understand his interest in wanting to stay at Milan but we need to protect the interests of the LA Galaxy first and foremost, and that's what we're doing.

"We will continue to examine this issue until the end of the week when the league has set a deadline for the transfer."

The former United States national team boss refused to reveal the fees involved.

"There are a variety of things we've discussed but it's not public information and when Milan give us what they feels is their best offer, we'll examine it and make a decision whether it's in the best interests of our club or not," he added.

"If David Beckham returns, he is a good professional and he's going to play, and play well.

"David Beckham understands what a contract means. He will honour his contract, whether it's with LA Galaxy or AC Milan."

Arena added: "David is a great player, we'd miss him if he leaves, no question about that. However it's a team sport and one player doesn't make a team.

"We'd be thrilled to have him return but if we lose Beckham, we lose him. That's football."

Beckham feels his fitness has improved since his temporary move from America to Italy, and playing for Milan will help him remain in the thoughts of England boss Fabio Capello.

England have scheduled nine more games in 2009 which would take Beckham to 117 caps, edging him closer to the overall record of 125 held by goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

"Fitness-wise Milan has done me the world of good," he said.

"I'm a lot fitter than I was a few months back and even in the month and a half I've been there my fitness has gone up 100%.

"That's the biggest thing. And I'm enjoying my club football which is great."