The England midfielder joined the Serie A side on a short-term loan earlier this month and is due back in the United States in time for the start of the Major League Soccer season.

But he has impressed so far in Italy, playing in all three of Milan's games this year and opening his account for the club on Sunday.

While Milan would be keen to keep hold of him, Galliani insists the Rossoneri will respect Beckham's contractual obligation with the MLS club, unless the player himself chooses to change the situation.

"If the Los Angeles Galaxy were to decide not to release him, then they won't release him," Galliani told Sky TV today.

"In America, they have the same rules as European football: The player has a contract. But having said that, we'll have to wait and see.

"If he decides to release himself and wants to do so, we would welcome him with open arms.

"But he belongs to another club and we have to thank them because they have been very kind to us.

"On March 9, his contract with us terminates and we cannot be discourteous and we don't want to either.

"The player wants to stay with us, but even he knows that he has got to return to America."

Beckham appears to have settled in well in his new surroundings and knows his future in the England national team could hinge on his decision.

England coach Fabio Capello is due to watch him in action for the Rossoneri in their Serie A clash with Genoa tomorrow night and Beckham is aware how much more exposure he would receive in Italy compared to the States.

This is why he is believed to be contemplating bringing a premature end to the lucrative contract which ties him to US football, even if it would involve a financial sacrifice.

And Galliani says Milan would be willing to soften the blow of any loss in earnings.

"If Beckham reaches an agreement with the Galaxy, we would be prepared to pay a certain sum," he revealed.

"Anyway, in the next few days we will be meeting with his manager."

Meanwhile, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has hit back at criticism from Galaxy coach Bruce Arena over the way his club have made public their desire to keep Beckham.

"Milan is a serious club, a very serious club," he said at a press conference today.

"There is no new agreement with David. The current agreement is the contract which allows him to stay with Milan until March 9.

"Then the decision is up to him and neither I nor the club want to get involved."

However, by handing the England international a regular berth in his side, Ancelotti has already made Beckham feel at home.

And he did not hide his preference for that to remain the case until the end of the season.

"I don't want to force anything regarding him, but I can only say that, despite the short time he has been available, he has already understood what it means to be at Milan and what we all think of him," he added.

"Obviously if he stays, we would all be delighted, but he has a contract and it will be he and only he who decides what he wants to do.

"Milan is doing nothing, other than taking advantage of the ability of a great sportsman.

"A player like Beckham can be useful to any team, and that also means the England national team."