Niko Ilicevic
AC Milan are one of the teams that are closely watching Eintracht Frankfurt talent Niko Ilicevic, according to a report.
In the past couple of years, Milan’s management have shown a willingness to invest at times quite large sums of money (relatively speaking) to try and stockpile young talent for the future. David Odogu, Zachary Athekame and Alphadjo Cisse are among several examples of this strategy.
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A battle for Nike
According to SPORT, there is a new name on their wish list: Eintracht Frankfurt starlet Niko Ilicevic. However, they are one of several top European clubs that are tracking the 15-year-old forward.
The source goes on to claim that Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Inter are all keen on the Germany Under-17 international, so there is already a fierce race developing for a coveted talent.
In terms of numbers that are available, Niko Ilicevic has racked up 10 goals and six assists in 28 games for Eintracht Frankfurt’s U19s, after getting 4 goals and 4 assists in 16 games for their U17s. He has also scored twice in three appearances for Germany U17s.
Ilicevic is a left-footed playmaker who can play across the forward line, something which appeals to the Rossoneri and their rivals. Eintracht agreed a long-term deal with the teenager last summer, although the expiry date of the contract was not disclosed.
The deal will only become a professional contract when he turns 16 at the end of October. The Bundesliga side hope to keep hold of Ilicevic by assuring him that there is a path to the first team, one that might have to be accelerated if the interest materialises.