English teenager Marcello Jones is on the verge of signing a contract with Italian giants AC Milan.
The 16-year old, who grew up in Cornwall, attended a Milan training camp which was a gift from his half-Italian mother when he was 14.
Now, he is nearing a professional deal after impressing in the Rossoneri's youth academy which comes after he was snubbed by Southampton's famed youth setup.
Jones told the Daily Mail: "Southampton actually rejected me after two years because they said I was too small,' he said. 'But I'm around 5ft 10in now.
"Filippo Galli, the academy director, asked me to stay in Milan after watching me play in the summer camp. And it's been brilliant being here.
"Filippo Inzaghi is now the manager of the first team at Milan but when I first came here he was coaching my squad in the academy. It was great to learn from someone of his stature. He has so much passion."
Regarding the potential contract with AC, Jones added: "I just have to wait and see if the club want me to stay on now. I'd very much like to still be here next season."