Jack Pitt-Brooke: Promising defender is a key man for Montenegro

(AFP)

In Stefan Savic, Manchester City have signed one of the most promising young defenders from one of Europe's brightest young football nations. The 20-year-old will be the first Montenegrin to play Premier League football, and has become a part of his country's campaign to play their first tournament in their own right.

Savic, a natural centre-back who can also play at right-back, has six caps for Montenegro. He started in Montenegro's 0-0 draw at Wembley last October, and will probably play a part in the run-in that decides whether Montenegro or England automatically qualify for Euro 2012.

At club level, Savic started at BSK Borca, from where he was subject to interest from England. He had a trial at Arsenal in January 2010, but Arsène Wenger decided against signing him. In August of that year, Savic moved from BSK to their city rivals Partizan Belgrade.

Last season Savic was part of the Partizan team that won the Serbian domestic double, and was selected in the SuperLiga team of the year. He played in four of Partizan's Champions League group games, including their 3-1 defeat at Arsenal last December.