David Beckham's hopes of a permanent move from Los Angeles Galaxy to AC Milan were crushed on Friday as the Italian club failed to raise its bid for the England midfielder.

Beckham, who joined the Galaxy in 2007, had said he hoped to stay in Serie A in a bid to play one more World Cup with England in South Africa next year.

"Today's deadline imposed by Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber regarding a resolution of David Beckham's potential transfer to AC Milan has passed and we did not receive an acceptable offer for the player," Galaxy general manager Bruce Arena said in a statement.

"As a result, David remains an LA Galaxy player and we look forward to having him back with the club starting March 9."

The Galaxy rejected an initial bid made by Milan last week, saying the former England captain would return to Los Angeles as scheduled unless the Italians came up with a substantially higher offer.

Earlier this week, Garber gave the Galaxy a Friday deadline to settle the issue.

Beckham, 33, moved to the United States in 2007 on a five-year deal.

After scoring just five goals for the Galaxy in 30 games since his arrival in MLS, Beckham joined Milan on loan during the U.S. close season.

Since arriving in Italy, he has scored two goals in his first five starts.

Source:Xinhua