Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani told their official Web site that they were delighted to have secured Beckham's services again.

CNN: Milan seal Beckham loan deal

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton secured a pledge from Iraq to inspect the flights last year, but the official said that since then only two aircraft have been checked by Iraqi authorities.

NPR: Kerry In Iraq To Press On Iran Flights To Syria

Once a gold is secured, Royal Mail officials have just one hour to review images submitted by official Olympic photographers Getty Images and select one to give to the eight-strong stamp design team in London.

BBC: Heptathlete Jess Ennis