Marco Verratti has rejected a three-year contract offer from cash-strapped Pescara.

The 16 year-old midfielder is regarded among the brightest young talents in Italy and is a target for several major clubs, including AC Milan.

Giovanni Ferro, Verratti's agent, said: "Marco knows that it is important the club collects money from a possible sale.

"We have received offers from all major league clubs and also from the Premier League, but Marco has decided not to run away and help Pescara."