Former AC Milan talent spotter Danilo Pagni has revealed he tried to sign Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish for the Rossonero.
Pagni - who has headed up recruitment for a number of clubs across Italy - explained that he informed Milan bosses about Grealish's potential while watching him play in the Championship.
Asked to name some of the players he spotted who are now impressing on the biggest stages, Pagni made reference to the likes of Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech and Man City and England midfielder Phil Foden before tell Calciomercato.com: "The biggest regret, however, is another.
“Grealish, midfielder born in 1995 of Aston Villa, I had seen some of his games in the Championship and I fell in love with him.
“He was playing with his socks lowered in the style of the 60s; I write a message to the management saying that I think he should be taken. Two years later he exploded."
