Mario Balotelli's agent has claimed he is 'very confident' the Inter Milan striker will seal a switch to Manchester City soon.
Italian's agent confident on imminent deal
Mario Balotelli's agent has claimed he is 'very confident' the striker will seal a switch to Manchester City soon.
The 20-year-old Italy international has long been linked with a move from Inter Milan to City, with the Blues reportedly willing to offer the fiery forward a big-money contract.
Roberto Mancini snapped up Balotelli when he was coach of the Nerazzurri back in 2006, and he is keen to get him onboard at Eastlands.
Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola believes a deal could go through on Friday, although admits it is unlikely he will feature in City's Premier League opener against Tottenham on Saturday.
"Today, there was a step forwards, I can confirm that," Raiola told
Sky Italia.
"So I am very confident about closing the deal soon but it doesn't just depend on me.
"Will he play on Saturday against Tottenham? Look, at this point I would say no. Even if we close the deal tomorrow he wouldn't be able to do it, because of all the paperwork.
"Then the English laws impose details that would exclude his presence as early as Saturday.
"I am very optimistic, but today the deal is not already done.
"We haven't decided yet if Mario will go to England tomorrow, we need to think about that, but we haven't established that.
"Nothing is yet sealed so I can't guarantee that. Our aim is to close everything as soon as possible, we hope to be able to resolve the factors soon."
Balotelli fell out of favour at the San Siro last season when he threw his shirt onto the ground after a UEFA Champions League game.
His hot-headed temperament has been criticised by many, but he is now set to become City's latest signing as they look to strengthen their hand once more ahead of the new campaign.
