AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes Stephan El Shaarawy is the perfect player for his club.

The Italy U-19 international is set to join Milan on a permanent transfer from Genoa in the next few days.

The attacking midfielder impressed while on loan last season at Serie B side Padova, scoring seven goals in 25 league appearances.

"El Shaarawy is very good and will become a first-class player," Allegri told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He is still young and has a lot of quality.

"He is the type of player we need to start a new cycle and return to being competitive in Europe.

"However, we will have to be careful with him. I don't want to create an image of him being a phenomenon. He is young and will need time to adapt, but he has the right attitude."

The 18-year-old began his playing career at Genoa's youth academy and is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Italian champions.