Milan rejects 'monster' English offer for Pato

MILAN, Italy (AP) -- AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani claimed it turned down a "monster offer" for striker Alexander Pato.

Pato has been linked with a move to Chelsea to join former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, but Galliani said on Thursday that Milan was preparing to offer the Brazil teenager a contract extension.

On Wednesday, 19-year-old Pato said at the Confederations Cup that he wished to remain with the San Siro club.

"Pato will get a contract extension. I am absolutely delighted by Pato's comments," Galliani told the club Web site.

"We have always spoken to Pato and the comments that arrive from other continents are usually incorrect. There were no doubts and there are no doubts regarding his future.

"The only offer that has arrived at our club was a monster offer from England for Alexandre Pato. I continue to believe that there isn't a player in the world that is as strong as him at his age.

"In any case, no one should worry because he is under contract until June 2012."

In his first full season in Italy, Pato scored 15 times in 36 matches.