Zlatan Ibrahimovic transfer questions batted away by AC Milan coach

AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso refused to discuss a report that the club would move for Zlatan Ibrahimovic this winter, saying it is a topic for senior management.

Ibrahimovic scored 56 goals in 85 games for Milan between 2010 and 2012, winning the Scudetto in 2011, before moving on to Paris Saint-Germain.

According to Corriere della Sera, Ibrahimovic, who joined the LA Galaxy in March and turned 37 on Wednesday, wants to return to Milan in December -- a year ahead of when his contract is due to expire.

"I can only send him my best wishes for his birthday," he told Sky Sport Italia. "He's managed to get back to playing as a great protagonist in America after the serious injury he had a few months ago.

"That's it -- I can only talk about the players I have available. I don't know if there is any truth behind it at the moment. I just send him my best wishes for his birthday with great affection and great respect."

Later, speaking at a news conference ahead of Milan's Europa League game against Olympiakos, Gattuso said he was not the right person to ask about the report.

"I wish him well for his birthday, but I can only talk about my own players today," he said. "This is a question you need to put to [director of strategic development Paolo] Maldini, [technical director] Leonardo and [president] Paolo Scaroni.

"He's still scoring goals at 37 and I just wish him the best."

Ibrahimovic, who also played for Inter Milan from 2006 through 2009, has scored 20 goals in 24 games for the Galaxy following his release by Manchester United.