LA Galaxy chief Bruce Arena does not want David Beckham to join AC Milan on loan in January.

The Serie A club revealed yesterday they are in talks with the midfielder, who has been told by England coach Fabio Capello he must be playing regularly if he is to win his 108th cap against Spain in February.

If Beckham does appear in that friendly, the 33-year-old will join Bobby Moore as England's most capped outfield player.

Given that Galaxy's season ends on Sunday and the new MLS campaign is not until April, a move to the San Siro would see Beckham meet Capello's demands.

But Arena fears the effects of playing in Italy could leave Beckham drained when he returns to Los Angeles.

"On the surface, it sounds like an odd proposition," said the club's general manager and head coach.

"I don't see where that benefits MLS or the Galaxy.

"The first I heard about it was yesterday but I would think given the position the Galaxy are in and the fact we're rebuilding our team, it would seem odd if we were loaning out our top players at the start of the season."

If the move takes place it would happen after Galaxy's tour of New Zealand and Australia in December and Beckham would remain in Italy until the American side start pre-season training in March.

Beckham is two seasons into a five-year deal and MLS commissioner Don Garber stressed any switch would only be on a short-term basis.

Garber said: "David remains an LA Galaxy player and will be here for the start of the 2009 MLS season."