AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that Robinho has asked to leave the club.

The Brazilian has been tipped for a move back to his homeland, with Santos being his probable destination.

Robinho's father revealed yesterday that his son was likely to rejoin his boyhood club, although not until the summer.

However, the latest development looks likely to see him leave the San Siro in January.

"Robinho has told us he wants to go home to Brazil," Football Italia quotes Allegri as saying.

"Obviously, if he changes his mind then we will be very happy to keep him here, but if he wants to go then it's right he does."

Robinho joined the Rossoneri from Manchester City in 2010.