Rumours of Clarence Seedorf's future appointment as coach of AC Milan intensified on Wednesday as incumbent Massimiliano Allegri held an inconclusive meeting with the club's hierarchy.
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Milan finished third in Italy's Serie A on Sunday, meaning the seven-time European champions will have to successfully negotiate a preliminary round if they are to qualify for next season's Champions League.
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Allegri won the Scudetto in 2011 in his first season in charge of Milan and finished runner-up last year to Juventus.
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Despite starting last season without a host of key players following a mass clear-out, the 45-year-old Allegri dragged the club back from the depths of their worst ever league start to a commendable third-place finish.
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Club owner Silvio Berlusconi, however, is reported to be dissatisfied with Allegri and in favour of appointing a former Milan player to take the helm in time for next season.
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As well as Seedorf, Italian media have speculated on former Rossoneri Filippo Inzaghi and Marco Van Basten.
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Seedorf, who is still contracted as a player to Brazilian top flight side Botagofo, was one of several experienced players to leave the club last summer.
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The 37-year-old Dutchman has no coaching experience, but Sports Mediaset claim Berlusconi is ready to appoint Seedorf this week, with Allegri leaving the club to join Roma.
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Allegri remained coy after meeting club CEO Adriano Galliani on Wednesday, refusing to answer reporters when asked if he was still the Milan coach.
Well he might have good coaching skillz inside of him so maybe he should be given the chance. AC Milan is a good football club.