AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has rubbished reports suggesting star striker Mario Balotelli could leave the San Siro during the January transfer window, Sky Sports understands.
Balotelli, who joined Milan from Manchester City in a deal reportedly worth €20 million in January, has been linked with Chelsea and Russian Premier League moneybags Zenit St Petersburg in recent weeks.
The Italy international, 23, has struggled to find top form in 2013/14, having scored just three goals in eight Serie A appearances this season after netting 12 in 13 games last term.
Balotelli’s form, or lack thereof, and the absence of Stephan El Shaarawy have contributed heavily to Milan’s lacklustre start to the season.
The Rossoneri (3-5-5) are currently sitting in the bottom half of the league table (13th place), 20 points behind table toppers A.S. Roma, after 13 matches.
However, Galliani has insisted both Balotelli and El Shaarawy will stay at the club despite contrary media reports.
“I don’t know anything about it,” said Galliani. “Training was at 11.30, he got there before 11. I don’t know what time they were supposed to meet up – you’ll have to ask the coach.
“Is Balotelli unhappy? He will stay, I’m 101 per cent certain about that. He’s our centre-forward, it’s just one of those moments.
“El Shaarawy is staying as well. A famous Italian coach who works abroad rang me up to ask for him and I politely said no.”
Milan will travel to Scotland to face Celtic in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening, with Balotelli 15/8 to score at anytime.
Celtic (21/10); Milan (6/4); Draw (23/10)
Everton Ribeiro wants ‘big’ move
Cruzeiro winger Everton Ribeiro has talked up a potential move to Manchester United amid reports linking the Brazilian ace with a January move abroad.
According to reports in Brazil, Liverpool, United as well as unnamed clubs from Eastern Europe are keeping tabs on Ribeiro.
The former Brazil youth international, 24, joined Cruzeiro from Coritiba earlier this year but has impressed a number of top European clubs upon leading A Raposa to the Brasileirão title.
“I haven’t talked with my agent yet,” Ribeiro told Sportv. “I asked him to talk only with Cruzeiro and let me focus here as I still have one more game to play and I want to end this league well.
“I will continue doing my job here at Cruzeiro but plan on getting to a big club. It’s a dream I’ve had since young, I’ve always liked Manchester United.”
Ribeiro, who is valued at around €8 million, has scored seven goals in 34 Brasileirão appearances in 2013.
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