Massimiliano Allegri plays down Mario Balotelli move

AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has once more played down suggestions that Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli could join the Italian club in January.

Balotelli has long been linked with a return to Italy following a host of off-the-field problems, but Allegri has refused to comment on a possible move.

"I don't know if I'll train Mario Balotelli, I don't like to talk about it because he is a Manchester City player," he told the Milan Channel.

It is expected that Milan will be in the market for a striker, however, with Allegri admitting that Alexandre Pato and Robinho could leave the club.

He added: "Who we'll take in January? We must assess, we're waiting to see what happens with Pato and Robinho, then we'll see."

Milan currently occupy seventh spot in the Serie A table.