Beckham to buy his dream home in £26m

It is ideal for the footballer, who has been living in a hotel since joining AC Milan on loan in December.

The 30-room Villa Oleandra is just 39 miles from Milan - and Beckham is already well acquainted with it having stayed there with his wife as Clooney's guests last year.

Yesterday the Italian media reported that Beckham, 34, had told friends: 'I have fallen in love with the beautiful countryside. It's peaceful, quiet and near Milan. It would be great for the family.'

The Beckhams' friendship with Clooney has made them favourites to get the villa, which is on the market for £20million.

Negotiations are said to be at an 'advanced stage'.

Clooney, 48, bought the villa in the town of Laglio for £10million in 2002.

Last night, mayor Roberto Pozzi, said: 'It would be a shame if George went. He has become one of the locals.

'If George does leave I hope the Beckhams buy the place as it will keep a touch of glamour in Laglio.'

The Beckhams already own a £14million house in Beverly Hills, where Mrs Beckham, 35, and their three children have lived during his loan from LA Galaxy.

They also own 'Beckingham Palace' in Hertfordshire and a home in France.

Property prices around Laglio have shot up since Clooney bought the villa at Laglio on Lake Como and which has it's own private jetty into the water, swimming pool, gym, tennis courts and beautifully manicured gardens.

Before he arrived properties around Laglio, which is also close to the homes of Donatella Versace and Jose Mourinho, were selling at 1000 Euro per square metre and now they have rocketed to 10,000 Euro.

Today Laglio's mayor Roberto Pozzi said: 'It would be a shame if George went because he has become one of the locals and we have grown fond of him. Everyone has seen him when he comes over and he is always friendly.

'I know the Beckhams stayed at the villa last spring but I never saw them - if George does leave then I hope the Beckhams do but the place as it will keep a touch of glamour in Laglio.'

Beckham, who is beck at AC Milan until the summer, is living in suite at a luxury Milan hotel and today his spokesperson Simon Oliveira was unavailable to comment on the report.

Meanwhile another Italian newspaper reported that Clooney is set to buy himself an island.

The actor is said to have fallen in love with Loreto Island, Pisogne town, near Como, after he visited the area last year with girlfriend Elisabetta.