Berlusconi: Donnarumma is 'not for sale'

Gianluigi Donnarumma's agent cannot guarantee the teenager's future, but AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has assured wary supporters the prodigious goalkeeper is not going anywhere.

Amid rumours that Donnarumma could leave his childhood club at the end of the season, Berlusconi indicated Saturday the academy graduate is too precious to give up for any price.

"For us he is not for sale," the former Italian prime minister told La Verita, according to ESPN FC. "Donnarumma is part of the Milan heritage. He is a splendid product of our youth academy. He feels a strong attachment to the club and to the Rossoneri colours. He is incredible for us."

Donnarumma's handler, Mino Raiola, couldn't say for certain the 18-year-old would renew his contract with the Rossoneri. His current deal expires in June 2018, and Milan could face a difficult decision in the summer if gargantuan offers arrive.

Related - Agent: Donnarumma cannot commit future to Milan until new owners arrive

Manchester City and Manchester United have been linked with a move for the Naples native, while gossip persists that Juventus will lure Donnarumma as a long-term replacement for 39-year-old Gianluigi Buffon.

His future depends on the fate of Milan's flailing Chinese takeover, which has hit several snags since Berlusconi's holding company, Fininvest, reached an agreement to sell the 18-time Serie A champion in August.

Raiola said he has yet to speak to anyone from China about Donnarumma, and the situation has only become more complicated.

Sino-Europe Sports, the consortium initially behind the takeover bid, no longer exists, as lead investor Yonghong Li has encountered problems with the Chinese government to sanction funding. Li is now leading a separate company to complete the purchase by the middle of April, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

In the middle of this tangled web is Donnarumma, recognised as the heir to Buffon. Ranking second among Serie A goalkeepers in saves (110) and clean sheets (10) this season, the Milan shot-stopper has earned several call-ups to the national team.