Sources: AC Milan agree deal to sign Matija Popovic after Man City offer rejected
AC Milan have agreed a deal to sign Serbian wonderkid Matija Popovic in a blow to Man City, sources have told Football Insider.
City submitted an offer to the teenager and were prepared to offer him a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
But Popovic, 18, is now set to arrive in Milan and complete a move to San Siro as a free agent.
He left Partizan Belgrade at the end of his previous deal last month and can now sign professional terms elsewhere after turning 18 on Monday (8 January).
Popovic hugely impressed City scouts and the recruitment team at the Etihad Stadium with his performances in Serbia.
The German-born ace bagged 21 goals and five assists for Partizan’s under-17 side across 25 appearances in league competition.
He has also made ten appearances for Serbia’s Under-17 side, notching four assists.
Popovic stands at almost 6ft 4in and can play on the wing, in attacking midfield and lead the line.
The youngster has chosen to make the move to Italian giants Milan - who have helped bring through the likes of Matteo Gabbia, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Davide Calabria and Manuel Locatelli in recent years.
Stefano Pioli's side sit third in Serie A and will play in the Europa League knockout play-off round next month.
Meanwhile, Man City's fabled academy has nurtured talents like Rico Lewis and Phil Foden for Pep Guardiola's current first-team, while the likes of Michael Olise and Cole Palmer also came through the ranks at the club.