Croatian defensive prodigy Leon Jakirovic shunned interest form Chelsea and Manchester United ahead of committing to Italian giants Inter Milan, TEAMtalk sources have confirmed.<\/p>\n
The 18\u2011year\u2011old centre\u2011back, son of Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic, has been on the radar of Europe\u2019s elite ever since emerging as one of the standout performers at the recent Under\u201117 World Cup.<\/p>\n
His composure, athleticism and leadership at the heart of Croatia\u2019s defence saw scouts flock to his games, and his reputation has only grown since making his senior debut for Dinamo Zagreb earlier this season.<\/p>\n
But despite the Premier League\u2019s big hitters pushing, Jakirovic has opted for Italy \u2013 and sources close to the player insist the decision was made long before the transfer battle intensified.<\/p>\n
We understand that Chelsea<\/a> and Manchester United<\/a> were the most aggressive English suitors, of which there were a number, with both clubs holding talks, but Leon decided against joining his father in the UK.<\/p>\n Barcelona also made their interest known, hoping to lure the youngster to La Masia.<\/p>\n However, Inter had already laid the groundwork. The Nerazzurri made their move last year, tracking Jakirovic closely and presenting a clear pathway into their first\u2011team setup \u2013 something that is believed to have resonated strongly with the player and his family.<\/p>\n Jakirovic, who turned 18 just last week, has now agreed terms with Inter, with the deal expected to be finalised in the coming days. The Serie A giants see him as one of Europe\u2019s most exciting young defenders and a long\u2011term pillar of their back line.<\/p>\n For Chelsea, United and Barcelona, it\u2019s a significant blow. For Inter, it\u2019s another statement of intent \u2014 and the capture of a player many believe could become one of the best in his generation.<\/p>\n Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google <\/a>to your favourites list for news you can trust.<\/p>\n More Man Utd news<\/p>\n Liverpool are prepared to pay \u00a380m for one of the three midfielders Manchester United are pinning their hopes on<\/a>, and TEAMtalk can confirm it\u2019s almost 100 percent guaranteed a move is made.<\/p>\n Elsewhere,\u00a0Besiktas defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is keen on a move to Manchester United, according to two reliable sources, including Fabrizio Romano, and while the Red Devils have held talks over a January deal, it has emerged that there is a division at Old Trafford over the former Leicester City star<\/a>.<\/p>\n More Chelsea news<\/p>\n Chelsea have reportedly secured the services of Douglas Luiz<\/a>, who will have his loan deal at Nottingham Forest terminated, according to a Brazilian journalist.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, eye-opening claims that Cole Palmer is ready to ask to leave Chelsea and is keen on a sensational transfer to Manchester United have been given a significant lift after two observers explained why a move to Old Trafford is not as far-fetched as they may initially seem<\/a>.<\/p>\n