Soccer:Mario Balotelli's agent has dismissed speculation that the star striker has signed a deal with Manchester City. Reports in the Italian press claimed the Inter Milan youngster, who has been heavily linked with an Eastlands move, had already signed with the Premier League club and all that remained were formalities between the clubs.
Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sportreported Balotelli had penned a five-year contract worth €4million a season, while the initial transfer fee would be €30m, possibly rising to €35m based on appearances and goals.
It also said he would link up with his new team-mates on Wednesday and could even turn out for City against Inter in Baltimore on Saturday as part of the two clubs' pre-season tours of the United States.
But Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola, is adamant the rumours are false and the 19-year-old Italian is yet to agree a deal.
Raiola told Ansanews agency: "Nothing has been signed between Balotelli and Manchester City and I doubt anything will be in the next few days."
City boss Roberto Mancini would like to work with Balotelli again, though, having given the 19-year-old his first big break during his time in charge at Inter.
"There is money to sign everyone, but not to pay them a lot, as some people are saying," he told La Stampa.
"He (Balotelli) is one of the four or five strikers that interest us.
"I was the first to believe in him and I'm convinced about what he can do.
"Mario has two qualities that suit us, his talent and his age, because I want people able to build a cycle at Manchester City.
"But we come back to the problem of the valuation, which must be resolved.
"I think in about 10 days certain situations will be clearer."
Among the other players City have been linked with are Fernando Torres, Edin Dzeko, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Diego Forlan, though Mancini now appears to have ruled out a bid for the Uruguay striker who won the Golden Ball award for the best player at the World Cup.
He said: "Those that I am interested in are those that the newspapers are saying apart from Forlan," continued Mancini.
"He's formidable and I was in love with him when he played at Villarreal four or five years ago.
"I would have taken him to Inter. Today instead I am looking for younger players."