AC Milan are back in control of the Matija Popovic deal with the Serbian youngster destined to be the first signing of the January transfer window, a report claims.
According to Radio Sportiva’sMarco Conterio, the Rossoneri are one step away from ensuring that the Partizan Belgrade forward arrives at Casa Milan.
The 17-year-old attacker is very highly rated and he is out of contract with the famous Serbian club at the end of the calendar year.
The transfer seemed to have been secured last week but there was then a complication surrounding his non-EU status and Milan’s willingness to use their one remaining non-EU spot on him.
That hurdle seems to have been solved which is bad news for Manchester City, who moved into the picture when it seemed that Milan would have to abandon the deal.
It is hard for Milan to compete with Man City from a financial standpoint, so it is in their interest to get the deal wrapped up as soon as possible.
Popovic has scored 21 goals in 25 games for the Partizan U19s and is viewed as a great talent within Serbia. He would join the Primavera side with a view to soon breaking into the first team.