AC Milan yesterday reached an agreement with Genoa to keep Ghana's Kevin-Prince Boateng on their books permanently.

The 24-year-old midfielder signed a loan agreement through a co-ownership deal with Genoa last summer, but his impressive performances have been rewarded as the league leaders have already decided to use its option to sign him.

Milan CEO Adriano Galliani confirmed that Boateng will remain with the club for the long term.

"He is our player. Genoa's stake has been valued at €6 million, which will rise to €7m in case Milan win the Scudetto," Galliani said to the Il Corriere dello Sport.

"The deal was already defined in a restaurant some months ago in Rio de Janeiro.

"He is in all effects a Milan player as there is an agreement with Genoa."

Boateng has scored three goals in 23 appearances for Milan this term.