AC Milan boss Genaro Gattuso has praised the professionalism of striker Gonzalo Higuain, amid ongoing speculation over an imminent move to Chelsea.
The Premier League side are said to have made signing the Argentina international their top priority for the January transfer window, which still has just under three weeks to run.
Higuain has spent a campaign working under Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, scoring 36 goals in 35 Serie A appearances for Napoli four seasons ago to earn a move to Juventus.
Having been shipped out on loan to AC Milan for the 2018-19 season to accommodate the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, reports in Italy and Spain suggest that it could be only a matter of time before the 31-year-old and Sarri reunite in West London.
Asked about the speculation at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Sampdoria, Gattuso insisted that the player is in constant dialogue with Milan sporting director Leonardo.
"There are some chatter about him at the moment, but I see how he trains, the availability that he gives me and the professionalism he puts in," he told reporters.
"The rest are his own things, his brother, his attorney who talks to Leonardo, I hope he stays as long as possible - if it does not, we'll see. Professionalism for me will not be a problem."
Higuain, who is still under contract with Juventus, has scored six goals in 15 Serie A matches this season.
Daniel Lewis
