Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi admits he has tried to lure Pep Guardiola to the San Siro and although he will continue to try and convince the Spaniard to join the Rossoneri, the chances of him joining are slim.

The 41-year-old left Barcelona in the summer after winning two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles in a four-year spell in charge at the Nou Camp.

Guardiola moved to New York to take a year sabbatical, but that has not stopped him from being linked with a host of top clubs throughout Europe.

Speculation is set to increase after Guardiola told a news conference in Zurich this week that he wants to return to management.

Milan are one of the clubs linked and Berlusconi says they continue to be interested in Guardiola.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side currently sit seventh in Serie A and the 76-year-old admits the coach’s position is far from secure.

He said: “You ask if Allegri will stay at Milan next season? I have to say the truth? Please, ask me another question.

“I always tried to bring him (Pep Guardiola) to Milan, because I think over the last few years Barcelona played the best ­football around.

“We contacted him, but he said he wanted to stay in a sabbatical.

“He said that at Milan he’d have fun and felt admiration towards me, and appreciation for Lake Como, where I could offer a beautiful villa.”

The chances of Mario Balotelli, who Berlusconi described as a “rotten apple”, joining Milan also look slim.

Balotelli, who starred for his country in last summer’s European Championship, played for city rivals Inter before moving to Manchester City in 2010.

However, he has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium after a number of incidents since arriving in England.

The latest occurred last week when he was pictured grappling with boss Roberto Mancini.

“Balotelli never came into my thoughts, he is a rotten apple and could infect every group where he goes,” Berlusconi said.