David Beckham is borrowing George Clooney’s Italian mansion ‘to unwind’ as the transfer battle to secure his footballing talents continues.

A source in Italy had reportedly told Hello! Magazine that “George has really taken David under his wing since the transfer trouble started. At the house, David is able to get away from everything, relax and switch off in private.”

The luxurious $8million lakeside retreat, on Lake Como, is just half an hour from Beckham’s Milan base.

In the meantime, Beckham is expected back in Los Angeles by March 9 for training camp with the Galaxy, while Clooney recently filmed a March 12 episode of NBC’s “ER,” in which he returned as Dr. Doug Ross for the long-running medical drama’s final season.

Clooney, 47, and Beckham, 33, became friends after being introduced by Giorgio Armani at the Met Ball in New York in May last year.

Lake Como lies between Milan and the border of Switzerland. It’s southern tip is about 40km north of Milan.

The lake covers an area of 146 sq km and it’s surrounded by both high mountains and hills, beautiful villas and resort villages and raging torrents and big rivers.

Lake Como (Lago di Como in Italian), is a jewel-like oasis of tranquility, a magical combination of lush Mediterranean foliage and snowy alpine peaks. Source: efluxmedia