Leonardo opens door to Beckham return to Milan

AC Milan's Brazilian coach Leonardo has opened the door to David Beckham returning to the Italian club next season.

Beckham, who was on loan to Milan from January through June, is due to face his old team in a friendly match for L.A Galaxy later on Sunday and visited the Italian side prior to the match.

The England midfielder said last week he hoped to spend a similar six-month loan spell in Europe next year in order to satisfy England coach Fabio Capello he is ready for the World Cup in South Africa.

Leonardo, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti as Milan coach, suggested he was open to such a move.

"David has had and still has a good relationship with all of us. He was very useful when he wore our shirt," the Brazilian said in comments reported on Milan's official website (http://acmilan.com)

"David is without doubt a very intelligent player and there is nothing strange in saying that he could re-enter my plans because he can play in any system."

Beckham returned to Major League Soccer action on Thursday in the Galaxy's 3-1 win at the New York Red Bulls where he was booed by fans.

His appearance against Milan on Sunday will be his first in front at home since his controversial decision to extend his loan spell with Milan into the first half of the MLS season.