David Beckham to snub Premier League and return to AC Milan

David Beckham will turn his back on a return to the Premier League and rejoin AC Milan on loan.

Five top-flight clubs - Chelsea, Spurs, Everton, Aston Villa and Portsmouth - were prepared to cut a deal with his MLS employees LA Galaxy next season.

But the 34-year-old, who had refused to rule out a return to the Premier League, has decided to reject offers from England and return to Italy in late December.

Beckham has always maintained that he would find it difficult playing for another English side after starring for Manchester United.

And Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said: "The most likely hypothesis is that Beckham plays for us from January until the end of the season. David knows that the doors of [the club's training ground] Milanello are always open for him."

Milan's current coach Leonardo also made it clear he would welcome the former England captain back.

"We had a great relationship," said Leonardo, whose side faced Becks in a friendly with LA Galaxy last week. "If he continues playing like he did against us, we'll try to get him back in December."