AC Milan has announced David Beckham will officially join the club on loan starting Jan. 7.

Milan said in a statement Thursday that the former England captain will join the Serie A team in a loan deal from the Los Angeles Galaxy. It did not immediately release details on the length of Beckham’s stay.

The 33-year-old Beckham is eager to play in Europe in the MLS offseason to remain fit and available for selection for England coach Fabio Capello.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

MILAN, Italy (AP) _ David Beckham’s lawyers were set to open talks Thursday with AC Milan over a loan deal.

“At first it seemed they would come next week, but actually Beckham’s lawyers are going to be here today in Milan,” AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani told the ANSA news agency. “We will open discussions. I don’t know if they will conclude positively or not, but I hope so and think so.”

Galliani announced last week that Milan was close to signing the former England captain on a loan deal from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

“We still have to define everything,” Galliani said.

The 33-year-old Beckham is interested in playing in Europe during the MLS offseason to remain fit and available for England coach Fabio Capello.