El Shaarawy signs new AC Milan contract

The 20-year-old has been rewarded for his exceptional form this season with a year-long extension to his current deal to keep him at the club until 2018

AC Milan have announced that striker Stephan El Shaarawy has extended his contract at the club until June 30, 2018.

The 20-year-old has been the standout player for the Rossoneri this season, notching 18 goals and five assists in his 33 games to date in all competitions.

His form saw him linked with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City, but he has quashed any suggestions he may be tempted to quit the club by extending his current deal until the summer of 2018/

Reports emerged at the end of January that progress had been made on a new deal for El Shaarawy, with his agent Roberto La Florio revealing at the time that talks would likely begin imminently.

The Italy starlet moved to San Siro in the summer of 2011 from Genoa, and has been crucial to Milan's efforts to rebuild the squad following wholesale changes in pre-season, with his goals helping to propel the side back into contention for a top-three finish this term.