AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has denied Mario Balotelli could leave the club in January.

It follows a newspaper report this morning claiming the controversial striker wants a move to Chelsea and work once again with Jose Mourinho.

Allegri might have been critical of his striker after the 3 - 2 defeat to Parma at the weekend, but he moved to quieten any talks of a swift exit for the Italy striker, who is a childhood fan of the Milanese club. 

"He will not leave in January. Absolutely not," Allegri told AC Milan's official website,"I think Mario should be left in peace. It's not difficult to manage him."

The Italy international has become a key figure for Milan since his arrival in January. The 23-year-old has scored 17 goals in 23 games for Milan in all competitions and was instrumental as Milan made a late dash to qualify for this year's Champions League.

Balotelli played under Mourinho at Inter Milan, although their relationship was not the most cordial as the Portuguese manager has often stated in the past.

However his recollection of Balotelli's behaviour has softened with time:

(CNN International)