AC Milan bring in the 'little pharaoh' El-Shaarawy

Italian champions AC Milan have added to their midfield division by drafting in youth international Stephan El-Shaarawy, the Seria A club announced on Wednesday.

According to the Italian media, Milan paid six million euros for a joint share of the 18-year-old's registration - and a half share in the German youngster Alexander Merkel - to Genoa.

El-Shaarawy joined Genoa aged 13, making his debut three years later. He spent last season on loan at second division side Padua.

"We took him because we think that he is mature enough now for Milan," said the club's vice-president Adriano Galliani.

The little pharaoh, as he is known because of his Egyptian heritage, has already played for Italy's under-17 and under-19 teams.

His arrival could prompt the departure of Alberto Paloschi or Antonio Cassano.