It is deadline day for Milan in their attempt to keep David Beckham in Italy - and the England midfielder remains hopeful a deal can be struck with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Rossoneri want to keep the 33-year-old in Italy after his loan spell from the Galaxy ends on 9 March, and Major League Soccer said earlier this week the two clubs have until today to agree terms if the move is to go ahead.

Beckham spoke about the situation in an interview with today's Gazzetta dello Sport, saying: "Milan and Galaxy are negotiating and I hope I can remain in Italy.

"I have already expressed my wish to remain in Milan and now I have to wait.

"Physically, I feel really good, I really like playing for Milan. Over the last month and a half my physical condition has improved 100%.

"I have nothing against Galaxy, Los Angeles has been a wonderful experience. But at Milan I have found great players who have been of great help to me. For the time being, things could not be going better."

Last week, the Galaxy rejected Milan's first offer for Beckham, saying the England midfielder would return to Los Angeles as scheduled unless the Italians came up with a higher offer.

The Milan coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has urged the club to try to keep Beckham at the San Siro. Beckham has earned a regular spot in Ancelotti's starting XI since his arrival in January, and has set up goals and scored twice for the Rossoneri.

"In my opinion, in order to keep Beckham, sacrifices should be made because he is an important player for the team," Ancelotti said.

Beckham is set to play in his first Milan derby this weekend against Internazionale and is excited about the prospect of facing the three-time defending champions.

"I have great hope," he said of Sunday's game. "I expect Milan to win the game and to stay on the right path."