AC Milan to offer €15m for 'next Messi'

AC Milan will offer €15m for Croatian international Alen Halilovic, otherwise known as the 'next Leo Messi', according to reports in Italy.The 16-year-old attacking midfielder made his international debut against Portugal last week, coming on as a second-half substitute.
The Dinamo Zagreb starlet has already played Champions League football for his club, and attracted attention from the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United earlier last season.
He's been dubbed the 'next Leo Messi' following his stunning progress into the Zagreb first-team, and the teenager has drawn comparisons with the club's other great youth academy graduate, Luka Modric.
In October 2012 the Daily Mirror claimed Sir Alex Ferguson was scouting the youngster closely, while Real Madrid were also thought to be interested at one stage.
But the latest reports from SportItalia claim AC Milan will offer €5m to take the midfielder on loan next season before paying another €10m to make the transfer permanent.
Shakhtar Donetsk are another Champions League club reportedly interested, but AC Milan currently lead the race.
The Ukrainian giants sold Fernandinho to Manchester City earlier this month while Willian joined Anzhi during the January transfer window.
Although they have agreed a deal to sign Wellington Nem, the Ukraine champions are thought to be considering a move for Halilovic as a long-term replacement for the departed Brazilians.