AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has denied that Brazilian coach Leonardo is about to quit the San Siro.

Milan lost 2-1 at Sampdoria to an injury-time goal yesterday to all but end their Serie A title hopes.

Italian media reports claim that the Brazilian coach is unhappy with club president Silvio Berlusconi for not allowing him sufficient funds for transfers.

"There are no problems over buys, it's just that he has three kids in Rio and sooner or later he will go back to Brazil," Galliani said.

"But I think I can convince him to stay in Italy."

Leonardo took over after Carlo Ancelotti left for Chelsea last season. He was seen by Milan fans as a cheap gamble and their big defeat by Manchester United in the Champions League last month prompted speculation about his future.

Galliani also denied reports that Italy coach and former Juventus and Inter Milan boss Marcello Lippi would become Milan's sporting director after the World Cup.