Milan – AC Milan could look to sell Brazilian pair Robinho and Alexandre Pato to boost coffers for a sensational January swoop on unsettled Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, reports said Sunday.
Italian media have been linking Balotelli, formerly of Inter Milan but a known supporter of AC Milan, with a shock move to the Rossoneri for several weeks.
The speculation gathered pace on Sunday with reports suggesting club owner Silvio Berlusconi, a known admirer of 'Super Mario', wants to re-create Balotelli's partnership with fellow Italy striker Stephan El Shaarawy at Milan.
El Shaarawy has scored a league-topping 12 goals in 15 games so far for the seven-times European champions, who are enjoying a resurgence after a disastrous start to their Serie A campaign.
Both Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport carried reports Sunday claiming Milan have been looking at ways to secure Balotelli's signature for several weeks.
Neither report, however, cited any sources from the clubs in question.
Balotelli is enduring a turbulent season at City and two weeks ago was warned by manager Roberto Mancini to change his poor attitude to his profession or face the consequences.
Mancini, who gave Balotelli his debut at Inter Milan, has remained loyal to the player despite a series of headline-grabbing incidents in the two-and-a-half years since he joined the club.
Balotelli was dropped last month ahead of a 2-1 victory over Tottenham and a back injury subsequently ruled him out of a 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa.
Mancini, however, has recently stated he has no intention of releasing Balotelli. – Sapa-AFP