Transfer news

Napoli cool Balotelli talk

August 10, 2011
By ESPN staff

Mario Balotelli will not be heading to Napoli after the club ruled out making a bid for the Manchester City striker.

Mario Balotelli
GettyImagesMario Balotell: Joined City from Inter

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Balotelli has been linked with a return to Italy following revelations that he does not enjoy living Manchester, but Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis has no interest in the controversial forward, despite the possible exit of Argentina international Ezequial Lavezzi.

"Absolutely not," De Laurentiis told Sky Sport Italia when asked if Napoli were interested in Balotelli. "He is funny, but it is too disruptive and I prefer that he applies his talents elsewhere."

De Laurentiis revealed Napoli would be making a bid for Villareal striker Giuseppi Rossi, although he is aware the club faces serious competition from the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid.

"I understand the ambition of a young man to want to go to Barcelona or Real Madrid, it's normal," he said. "He [Rossi] didn't say no to me, though, but this was around four weeks ago. I will try to buy him this season, but I'm ready to leave him in Spain."

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