Milan win race for teenager Pato

European champions Milan have won the race to sign 17-year-old Brazilian playmaker Alexandre Pato from Internacional.

The highly-rated Pato shone for Brazil at last month's U-20 World Cup in Canada and Milan beat Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea to his signature following lengthy negotiations.

"Alexandre Pato will train with Milan and will be able to play friendly matches from September 3," read a statement.

"From January 3 onwards he will also be able to play in the official games."

No further details were given on the deal, which was struck after Milan sent officials to Brazil in pursuit of Pato, who goes by the nickname of "Alex the Duck".

The Serie A club had been under pressure to bring in new faces after vice president Adriano Galliani pledged to bring in one of Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho, Andriy Shev-chenko, Didier Drogba or Pato.

Eto'o and Ronaldinho quickly said they were happy at Barcelona while Shevchenko looks set to stay alongside Drogba at Chelsea.

Pato was the easiest option but is unlikely to placate Milan supporters who fear the club are resting on their laurels following the Champions League triumph.