AC Milan deny Chelsea offer for Gonzalo Higuain

AC Milan sporting director Leonardo has insisted that there has been no offer from Chelsea for striker Gonzalo Higuain.

The Blues were credited with an interest in the Argentine during the summer, but Higuain instead joined Milan on loan from Juventus.

The 31-year-old has scored only seven goals in 19 appearances for the Italian giants, though, and recent reports have suggested that Maurizio Sarri is ready to rekindle his interest during the January transfer window.

A swap deal with Alvaro Morata has been mooted, but Leonardo insists that there has been no approach from any club for Higuain.

"It's difficult for a striker when he doesn't score, and he also needs to find himself because he's in a delicate situation, out on loan from Juve," Leonardo told Sky Sport Italia.

"Our relationship with him is very direct, he has an important role for us and he knows that. He has a leadership role, because he's won so much. We've never had doubts about Higuain, we've never questioned his position in this year: nothing has changed.

"Chelsea or no Chelsea, there's been no offer for him. No-one has asked us about him and he hasn't asked to leave. He's a Juventus player, we have an option at the end of the year. There's nothing else to say. He needs to assume his responsibility and do it on the pitch."

Sarri previously worked with Higuain during their time together at Napoli.