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ESPNsoccernet: Transfers | |
Mario Balotelli has welcomed the news that both Manchester City and Manchester United are interested in recruiting him from Inter Milan this summer.
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• Agent claims United interest
• Live transfer blog: July 13
• Forum: The best deal of the summer?
Balotelli, 19, is one of Italian football's most talented prospects but after repeatedly suffering from disciplinary problems last season it is believed Inter are ready to listen to offers for him.
Balotelli's agent claimed on Monday that City and United had both expressed an interest in his client, who was "clearly happy" to be considered as a potential signing by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini coached Balotelli at Inter and the player has hinted he would be happy to work under either man in the Premier League.
"Roberto Mancini? He's a really great coach," Balotelli said in the Daily Star. "I debuted in Serie A with him because he is a great friend. If he and Ferguson want me, it means I'm not as bad as I thought.
"United are a great club. They have not seen the real Balotelli. I need to learn and achieve more goals."
New Inter coach Rafa Benitez is keen to talk with Balotelli before any decision is taken regarding the future of the forward, who scored nine goals and claimed five assists in 26 games in Serie A last season.
But Balotelli did not make a good first impression on the new Nerazzurri boss, reportedly tuning up seven minutes late for Benitez's first training session on Monday.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, who says he would be keen to coach Balotelli, believes the youngster would thrive in the Premier League.
When asked if Balotelli would be more comfortable in England, Ancelotti told Sky Sport 24: "I think so. Here the atmosphere is different. I think a player with this type of character would be better suited here than with respect to Italy.
"It's difficult to find a young player with this quality. Even England struggles to find a player at this level."