City on brink of Balotelli deal, hints boss Mancini

MANCHESTER CITY boss Roberto Mancini has hinted that the protracted transfer of Mario Balotelli from Inter Milan could be due to the teenage striker’s over-inflated price-tag but believes everything will be resolved in the next 24 hours.

Balotelli has long been linked with a move to City and reports in Italy yesterday suggested the Barclays Premier League club have agreed a fee for the 19-year-old, who Inter claimed they would not sell for less than €35 million.

Mancini is keen to be reunited with Balotelli, who he snapped up as Inter coach in 2006, but insists they will not pay over the odds for anybody.