AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf is keeping his fingers crossed that David Beckham will return to the club in January.

Beckham said after England's 3-0 win over Belarus last night that the deal for him to rejoin the Rossoneri in the winter transfer window - a move he wants to make to improve his chances of making Fabio Capello's World Cup squad - was "95%" done.

Seedorf said: "Beckham can certainly help Milan. I would be happy if he returns.

"We became friends during his loan spell here, and for that reason it would make me happy to see him return.

"I have been in contact with him several times and, if the deal can be done, it will be good for Milan and for him too because it would be a pity not to see him in the World Cup.

"He is a player who has already given an important contribution to Milan and I am convinced that he would continue to do so if he returns to Milan."

Beckham returned to the Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer after a successful loan spell with Milan, during which he helped the club finish fourth in Serie A with two goals in 18 league appearances.

The 34-year-old was named man of the match for England last night despite having played for only just over half an hour in England's final World Cup qualifier.