Boca Juniors have rejected a £7million offer from Milan for
midfield starlet Ever Banega.
The 19-year-old, who has been likened to Milan's own Gennaro
Gattuso, was one of the stars of Argentina's Under 20 side which
lifted the world title for the second successive time in
July.
He was only handed his first-team debut at La Bombanera in February
this year following Fernando Gago's move to Real Madrid and he has
taken his opportunity with both hands.
Now a number of clubs from Europe are taking a keen interest and
Boca president Mauricio Macri has confirmed the club have rejected
a bid from Milan.
"Milan has offered, in the last few hours, $14million for Banega,"
Macri told Radio La Red.
"But we do not think it is enough for a 19-year-old player, he is a
player like Gennaro Gatusso - but a little more skilful."
Macri - who is currently in Europe talking with a number of
interested parties about possible winter transfers - also admitted
that Villarreal had shown an interest.
"Banega has already been eyed by other European teams and at one
moment Villarreal asked us for him when we were in negotiations for
Juan Roman Riquelme but we didn't accept," added Macri.