Highly-rated teenage German midfielder Alexander Merkel signed for Serie A outfit Genoa on loan from champions AC Milan today.
The 19-year-old Kazakhstan-born midfielder - who has appeared for Germany internationally up to U-19 level and is targeting a senior cap - has been at Milan for three years after he ended a five-year spell at VfB Stuttgart.
Genoa - who finished tenth last season as city rivals Sampdoria were relegated - also look set to complete the signings of Guinean international midfielder Kevin Constant from rivals Chievo and French central defender Kevin Vinetot from Serie B outfit Crotona.
All three players underwent their medicals today but only Merkel signing on the dotted line - while both Constant and Vinetot are expected to finalise their deals in the coming days.
"I haven't signed yet," said Constant, who had joined Chievo from French second divison side Chateauroux a year ago and scored two goals in 32 appearances. "I have to wait for a few days, but I am very happy to come here. I will be the pivot in a midfield of three or four, and I can also play in behind a two man midfield.