14-01-2010, 01:01 PM
Fiorentina have agreed terms with Partizan Belgrade to sign promising midfielder Adem Ljajic.
The 18-year-old had signed for Manchester United 12 months ago alongside team-mate Zoran Tosic, with Ljajic to remain at Partizan and join the English champions this month.
Ljajic made regular trips to train with the United first team but they chose not to take up their option to sign him due to problems obtaining a work permit.
The Serbia U21 international, whose talents have seen him nicknamed 'Little Kaka', then refused several offers from Russian clubs and has now been rewarded with his big move abroad.
It is thought Fiorentina are to pay a fee of 8million euros (£7.1m) with Ljajic set to complete the move to Florence on Friday, subject to a medical.
A club statement read: "Fiorentina announces that an agreement has been reached with Partizan Belgrade for the signature on a permanent basis of player Adem Ljajic."
The highly-rated youngster scored five goals in 24 games last season as Partizan won the Serbian league and cup double, and he made five appearances in this term's Europa League group stage.
Ljajic is the second January signing by Fiorentina after the arrival of Brazilian defender Felipe from Udinese, initially on loan.
The Italian outfit helped dump Liverpool out of this season's Champions League group stage and face Bayern Munich in the round of 16.
The Viola are currently sixth in Serie A and are hoping to grab Champions League qualification again in the second half of the season.
"The interest of Fiorentina is real and we are proud because it is a great club," said Ljajic's agent, Mladen Furtola.
Source: Skysports.com
The 18-year-old had signed for Manchester United 12 months ago alongside team-mate Zoran Tosic, with Ljajic to remain at Partizan and join the English champions this month.
Ljajic made regular trips to train with the United first team but they chose not to take up their option to sign him due to problems obtaining a work permit.
The Serbia U21 international, whose talents have seen him nicknamed 'Little Kaka', then refused several offers from Russian clubs and has now been rewarded with his big move abroad.
It is thought Fiorentina are to pay a fee of 8million euros (£7.1m) with Ljajic set to complete the move to Florence on Friday, subject to a medical.
A club statement read: "Fiorentina announces that an agreement has been reached with Partizan Belgrade for the signature on a permanent basis of player Adem Ljajic."
The highly-rated youngster scored five goals in 24 games last season as Partizan won the Serbian league and cup double, and he made five appearances in this term's Europa League group stage.
Ljajic is the second January signing by Fiorentina after the arrival of Brazilian defender Felipe from Udinese, initially on loan.
The Italian outfit helped dump Liverpool out of this season's Champions League group stage and face Bayern Munich in the round of 16.
The Viola are currently sixth in Serie A and are hoping to grab Champions League qualification again in the second half of the season.
"The interest of Fiorentina is real and we are proud because it is a great club," said Ljajic's agent, Mladen Furtola.
Source: Skysports.com