Milan target Van Basten to replace Leonardo

(GSM) – Milan are lining up Marco van Basten ro replace under-fire head coach Leonardo this summer, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

It’s no secret that Leonardo has a difficult relationship with Milan patron Silvio Berlusconi.

Last week, Leonardo hinted that he could leave the San Siro at the end of the season after being criticised by Berlusconi.

The club owner was reported to have told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper: “He will leave, we are working on a new coach.

“Leonardo has been too tough headed and the team has played badly this season.”

The Brazilian manager responded by saying: “I can’t deny our relationship is difficult. We are different, maybe incompatible.”

The rookie coach is likely to return to Rio to be with his family amid interest from Flamengo and the Brazilian national team.

Filippo Galli remains the favourite for the job, but nothing is decided yet and Berlusconi is said to like the prospect of Van Basten becoming the new manager.

The Rossoneri were linked with Van Basten this time last year, although they ended up handing the reins to Leonardo instead.

La Gazzetta dello Sport understands that Van Basten has told his friends that he is looking to return to coaching just over a year after he quit Ajax following a disappointing season in the Eredivisie.