The Italian Football Association have said that AC Milan would not have to bid for David Beckham before the Monday night transfer deadline of 1700 GMT.

They confirmed to Sky Sports News that Beckham is registered with them until a loan agreement with AC Milan expires on June 30th. However a separate agreement is still in place, between all parties, which says Beckham will return to LA Galaxy on March the 9th.

Beckham has been with Milan since the turn of the year, scoring twice in four appearances for the Rossoneri.

His future has become the subject of much conjecture of late, with Milan seeking to keep him in Italy and LA Galaxy keen to see him return to the United States.

Meanwhile, Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo wants Beckham to remain at the club after admitting he has been impressed by the former England captain since his arrival at the club.

"He was a great purchase," Pirlo told AC Milan's TV Channel. "I hope he remains with us for a long time."

After scoring, Beckham was forced off the field in his second game after 71 minutes with an abductor injury which has cast doubt over his fitness for this weekend's match with Lazio.

The Rossoneri find themselves eight points behind city rivals Inter Milan after last night's draw and Pirlo has urged his team-mates to put that result behind them and focus on their trip to Rome.

"I am very disappointed about yesterday's result against Genoa: we could have caught Juve and remain close to Inter. But now we must immediately think about Lazio," the Italy international said. "Draws like the one last night are points lost. We played an excellent game, pressing high up the pitch and not letting Genoa play.

"When you see you have a match under control and you can close it, and concede a goal at the end.. there is disappointment.

"We should have tried a few more shots, but it must be said they also did very well. But the league is still long, we can go all the way like we want to."

He added: "On Sunday we will find the usual difficulties in matches in Rome against a team like Lazio, in an environment like the Olimpico. But we will go there to win because the only thing we need is a victory."