Marco Giampaolo has said he has not yet spoken to AC Milan as speculation increases that he is set to replace Cristian Brocchi as their coach next season.
Giampaolo is a free agent after leaving Empoli this summer and he is regarded as the leading candidate to coach the Rossoneri next term.
"It's an honour to be linked with the Rossoneri, but there's nothing definite and there has not been any meetings," he said at an event for the Italian Association of Coaches (AIAC).
Former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi is one of Giampaolo's biggest backers, saying just a few days ago that he feels he is now ready to coach at a big club. Sacchi is also a close and trusted friend of Milan president Silvio Berlusconi.
"He's a maestro and he is my inspiration," Giampaolo said. "Two years ago, he called me to take over the Italy under-21s, which just goes to show how highly he rates me. His words of praise can only gratify me."
Milan face a third straight season without European football having lost the final of the Coppa Italia and finished seventh in Serie A.
They are currently in negotiations with a group of Chinese investors keen on taking the club over and any changes to the coaching and playing staff are currently on hold until those talks reach a conclusion, which may not be until mid-June.