Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti insists Mario Balotelli will not be joining Manchester City in January.

The appointment of former Inter coach Roberto Mancini as City manager on Saturday has fuelled speculation 19-year-old striker Balotelli could head to Eastlands when the transfer window opens.

Moratti congratulated Man City for the appointment of Mancini, who won three Serie A titles in his time at the San Siro, but insisted the Italy Under-21 international was not for sale.

"I think they (Manchester City) have made a great signing," said Moratti. "But they should not enquire about Balotelli for January because we are not selling him."

Balotelli, who is under contract with the Nerazzurri until 2011, has made just six league starts for Jose Mourinho's side this campaign.