AC Milan have snapped up Ireland Under-17 captain Cathal Heffernan - initially on-loan ahead of a permanent move in the summer.
The final pieces of paperwork were exchanged tonight between Milan, Cork City and the player, ahead of official confirmation of the sensational switch.
Details of the move will emerge in the coming days, but it is believed that the Leesiders will bank a five-figure sum if the deal is made permanent, as per a clause in Heffernan’s contract.
He signed on professional terms last June, enabling the club to benefit financially from any transfer.
City will also pocket a loan fee, plus future add-ons for first-team and senior international appearances, plus any future sale of the defender.
The deal appeared to be dead last Thursday evening when negotiations between the two clubs broke down.
Heffernan flew home to Cork with his family believing that his dream of a move to the San Siro giants had been dashed, only for Milan to make contact once again on Friday afternoon.
Talks continued over the weekend and an agreement was reached today, making Heffernan the first Irishman to join Milan since Paddy Sloan over 70 years ago.
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