Partizan: Hands off Jovetic

Jovetic: Staying put

Partizan Belgrade have issued a hands-off warning to clubs eyeing their prize-asset Stevan Jovetic.

The 17-year-old, a Montenegrin national, has this week been linked to Manchester United and Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Jovetic is rated as one of Europe's top young talents having scored 18 goals in 54 appearances for Partizan, with his mature displays having not gone unnoticed elsewhere.

However, for now at least, Europe's elite will have to wait before they can pursue any deal for the sought-after Jovetic.

Hands-off

"A lot of clubs are determined and serious in their interest of Jovetic, who is one of the most promising players in Europe according to the experts," Partizan president Tomislav Karadzic told newspaper Danas.

"Ajax has already sent us an official offer for Stevan, whose amount remains a business secret, but that is also expected to be done soon by some big and famous teams.

"But Partizan won't rush. Our fans and coach Miroslav Djukic can rest at ease until next June.

"There isn't enough money that would force us to give him up before the end of the championship. In addition, we'll do everything within our means to prolong the sale until the end of 2008.

"In the meantime, we need to protect Jovetic from stories about his 'high-flying, million-dollar departure' and protect any negative effects on his career."