AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani expects Italy international forward Stephan El Shaarawy to ink an extension to his long-term contract at the San Siro, amid reports linking the 20-year-old Italian ace with a move to Manchester City and Manchester United, Sky Sports understands.
El Shaarawy, unlike Milan, has begun the 2012-13 campaign on a purple patch of form, with eight goals in 11 league matches, making him the top goalscorer in the Italian Serie A.
At the moment, Galliani is trying to sort out an extension that would keep El Shaarawy at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza for another six years.
Regarding the reported interest from Manchester City and Manchester United, Galliani said: “Manchester City and United interested in El Shaarawy? It’s no joking matter! Stephan has a contract with us for other five years and soon he will extend until 2018.”
According to reports, Mario Balotelli could move back to the San Siro in a deal that sends El Shaarawy to the Etihad Stadium, but this is pure speculation at the moment.
Galliani is a self-proclaimed admirer of Balotelli, but he knows that a deal, including the swap-scenario listed above, is unlikely.
“I have a profound love for Balotelli, but love doesn’t always end well,” said Galliani.
Lucas unsure of PSG choice
Brazil international midfielder Lucas Moura has revealed that he is still uncertain whether he made the right decision by rejecting a move to Manchester United in favour of joining French giants Paris Saint-Germain, Sky Sports reports.
Sir Alex Ferguson was willing to make Lucas the club’s record signing, but moneybags PSG swooped in and sealed a deal for the Brazilian starlet rumoured to be in the region of £38 million.
Lucas will join the Ligue 1 leaders in January, upon the completion of the Brazilian season.
“Thiago Silva has told me a lot about the club and its facilities, and it will be nice to have him as my team-mate,” said Lucas.
“However, I have to admit that I do have a bit of fear about how things will pan out. I don’t know how well it will go.
“I am not thinking about money, but I am more concerned with whether my next destination will be the right one. PSG’s ambition and the presence of the other Brazilians convinced me.”
Just to play devil’s advocate, United do have a few Brazilians in their squad, most notably the Da Silva twins — Rafael and Fabio, who is currently on loan at Queens Park Rangers — and Anderson.
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