Man Utd and Real warned off Jovetic, for now

Partizan Belgrade on Thursday warned any big European clubs eyeing their striker Stevan Jovetic that they will have to wait for the 17-year-old star.

Jovetic, a Montenegrin national, has been linked this week in the British press to Premiership champions Manchester United and Spanish giants Real Madrid among other European sides.

"A lot of clubs are determined and serious in their interest of Jovetic, who is one of the most promising players in Europe according to the experts," said Partizan president Tomislav Karadzic.

"Ajax have already sent us an official offer for Stevan, whose amount remains a business secret, but that is also expected to be done soon by some big and famous teams," he told the newspaper Danas.

"But Partizan won't rush. Our fans and coach Miroslav Djukic can rest at ease until next June.

"There isn't enough money that would force us to give him up before the end of the championship. In addition, we'll do everything within our means to prolong the sale until the end of 2008."

"In the meantime, we need to protect Jovetic from stories about his 'high-flying, million-dollar departure' and protect any negative effects on his career."

Podgorica-born Jovetic has scored 18 goals in 54 appearances for Partizan, who currently have a five-point lead over their nearest opponents, Vojvodina, in the Serbian football league.

Reigning champions and city rivals Crvena Zvezda are currently languishing seven points adrift of Partizan in fourth place.