David Beckham will be a help and not a hindrance if his loan move from Los Angeles Galaxy goes through, AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has said.
Talks are continuing over the 33-year-old joining the Serie A side for three months from January so that he can stay in contention for an England squad place during the US Major League Soccer close season.
Some pundits have said Beckham could affect the balance of Milan's side but Ancelotti is untroubled.
"Champions are a resource, never a problem," he told Saturday's Gazzetta dello Sport. "Beckham is a great football player and can play anywhere, in the middle or on the wing."
Beckham's official website put out its first official statement about the issue late on Friday.
"We can confirm that talks are taking place with Milan with regard to a short-term loan move at the start of next year," it said. "David very much remains a Galaxy player, and he will be in Los Angeles for the start of the 2009 MLS season [in March]."
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has accused his city rivals of living in the past by courting Beckham and signing Ronaldinho when not at his best. Ancelotti hit back by saying Brazilian Ronaldinho is wonderful to coach.
"He works like a madman, he is humble and his team mates and fans adore him," he said. "He is timid. He will improve further but I'm already satisfied."
Ancelotti, at Milan since 2001, said he once talked with Chelsea directors but never had the intention of leaving the San Siro. He could be tempted away soon, however.
"I would like to coach an African national side at the 2010 World Cup," he said.