The Beckhams take Milan

Beckham, on loan to Italian superteam AC Milan from the uninspiring LA Galaxy, had been due to return to the coupleís Beverly Hills villa in March.

But his success on and off the pitch, a chance to once more captain England and his adoption as an ìhonorary citizenî by Italians appears to have changed that.

The couple have agreed to hold a summit meeting about their future after their son Cruzís fourth birthday on February 20.

Last night a source close to the Beckhams said: ìDavid feels he has found himself again. Since joining AC Milan he feels appreciated, heís in the European eye again and he wants to stay. Now he and Victoria just have to work it out.î

A return to Europe would mark the end of the Hollywood lifestyle so loved by Victoria.

The couple moved to Los Angeles in 2007 when Beckham signed a five-year contract, with a three-year opt out clause worth £128million.

But the move has not gone well. LA Galaxy finished second to bottom of their league in 2008, winning only seven games and conceding 51 goals, the clubís worst results to date. To add to Beckhamís woes his deal netted £6.5million less than he was earning at previous club Real Madrid.

The move to AC Milan was intended as an off-season loan to keep 33-year-old Beckham fit and in touch with European football ahead of Englandís games.

But some have hinted that the real reason was an attempt to win over England manager Fabio Capello, who stated he would not consider Beckham for the national side while he remained out of top-flight European football.

Earlier this month, Beckham surprised pundits by hinting that he wanted to stay in Italy.

He said: ìMy intention is to stay in Milan and I hope that can happen.

ìThe club wanted to know if I wanted to stay and now they know that. The length of the deal will be discussed once we know it is possible. I have a contract until March, so we have got time.

ìI didnít expect to enjoy things as much as I have done, and to play every week. My main objective now is to stay at this club, I enjoy playing at this level.î

Victoria had ruled out a move to Italy, claiming she was unwilling to uproot children Brooklyn, nine, Romeo, six, and Cruz from their schools.

But her unexpected popularity among Italians and other Europeans may have gone a long way to change that. Last month the couple attended a party for Italian fashion house Fendi wearing AC Milanís colours ñ Victoria in a dazzling red dress from her own label, and David in a sharp dark suit.

Ever canny, she has taken every opportunity to flaunt her much-respected clothing line in the city where fashion is almost a religion, once managing to wear three outfits in the space of 15 hours.

She earned extra points when she wore her black Camargue creation for a meeting with designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

Victoria said about the move: ìI donít know anything about football. I pay attention to David when speaks to me about it because I know itís his life.

ìBut Iím happy because heís happy here, in Milan, and heís already started scoring goals.î

Beckham has impressed Italians with his modest tastes and low-key approach to the glamour of one of Italyís most exciting cities.

Much of his free time has been spent holed up in his sumptuous suite at the Hotel Principe de Savioa, where he has entertained his parents, his manager and an Adidas representative who is said to have brought a bundle of merchandise.

Despite the enormity of the Beckham brand, the playerís entourage is small. His personal assistant, Ryan, is joined by a single bodyguard and a driver.

The player his well-known for his dislike of signing autographs but does so with a smile ñ as long as fans remain at armís length.

Beckham has also managed to escape his ivory tower and sample some of Milanís finest restaurants.

But not all of his outings, particularly when his wife is absent, have been a success.

One of his first forays had to be abandoned when his bodyguard discovered that a party to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of one of Milanís premier nightspots, Hollywood Disco, was packed with models and football groupies, including two particularly notorious women, who have all been linked to footballers in the past.

Despite being invited by new friend and AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini, Beckham returned to his hotel, where he had a quiet drink with his PA.

On another evening, he decided to eat at Gold, the restaurant owned by Dolce and Gabbana. No sooner had Beckham begun sipping his orange and grapefruit juice when a group of female fans entered the establishment. He quietly left without ordering.