Riccardo Montolivo is ready to sit out his contract at AC Milan this season.

Frozen out by coach Rino Gattuso in preseason, the midfielder was encouraged to leave last month.

However, the market shut with Montolivo still on the books - though with little prospect of being part of Gattuso's plans.

Gazzetta dello Sport says rather than seek a move in January, Montolivo is now prepared to sit out the season and run down his contract.

The former club captain's deal expires in June.