AC Milan boss Leonardo is confident he can talk Rino Gattuso around into staying beyond the January transfer window.

Gattuso is unsettled at Milan and threatening to leave in the winter market.

"I always speak to Gattuso and we try to be clear with each other on all our feelings," said the Coach.

"First of all we need him to be fit, then we can consider the games. He has been here for 11 years and it's natural to consider your options, just as I did in my playing career.

"Gattuso was not in the starting line-up then because he asked to be, he was there because he deserved it. If everyone is fit, then I need to make tough choices. It's not disapproval or marking someone a failure, it's just a decision.

"He is in the same situation as Pippo Inzaghi, Clarence Seedorf, Massimo Ambrosini and more have been through. It's normal that some big players will complain, but I think everyone realises what we are doing.

"My request to Gattuso is 'get fit again as soon as possible and you'll see things will be different.' If he is determined to leave, then I will try to convince him otherwise."