Interest in Balotelli not restricted to Manchester rivals, claims agent

(GSM) – Interest in Internazionale forward Mario Balotelli is not restricted to the Manchester rivals, according to his agent Mino Raiola. The controversial forward is tipped to leave Giuseppe Meazza this summer after his relationship with the club deteriorated at the end of last season.

And the player is believed to be seeking a fresh challenge with Manchester City and Manchester United reported in the media as his likely destinations.

A switch to the Premier League has been widely touted, with Manchester City, who are bossed by former Inter coach Roberto Mancini,believed to be leading the hunt.

But Balotelli’s agent insists that a host of top European clubs are interested in the youngster’s signature.

“I have had contact with a few teams,” said Mino Raiola.

“The papers keep talking about Man Utd and Man City. I will keep the names of the others to myself.

“Are Chelsea keen? Why not?”

Asked when Balotelli’s future will be finally resolved, Raiola added: “Monday? No, every day in the transfer market is decisive.”

The Italy Under 21 striker was left out of the team for weeks after upsetting then-club manager Jose Mourinho and the relationship between the player and the club mounted when Balotelli threw his shirt on the pitch after being booed at home against Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Balotelli appeared at a comedy show in Italy wearing the Milan shirt at the end of last season in a scene that angered the Nerazzurri fans.

Meanwhile, club president Massimo Moratti had hinted earlier that Balotelli may be leaving Internazionale in the near future.