AC Milan coach Leonardo believes he can convince Gennaro Gattuso to stay - but warns he has to "make tough choices."

The combative midfielder has threatened to leave the San Siro in January if he does not get more playing time, with Premier League leaders Chelsea the favourite's to sign him if he makes good on his threat.

However, Leonardo is keen to persuade the midfielder to stay. "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."

Milan travel to relegation strugglers Catania on Sunday hoping to keep their recent run of good form going and possibly break into the top two for the first time this year.