Agent claims Balotelli interest

Mario Balotelli's agent claims Manchester United are very much in the race to sign the Inter Milan striker.

Balotelli is under contract with Inter for another three seasons and is also a target of Manchester City. A host of other clubs are also reportedly after the 19-year-old but Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola claims United are one of the front-runners.

"The interest of Manchester for Balotelli is concrete and both clubs have confirmed it," Raiola told calciomercato.it. "The player is clearly happy to be followed by (Manchester United coach Sir Alex) Ferguson."

He added: "But I cannot exclude that in the end the player will remain at Inter or play in a different club with respect to the English outfit.

"In any case we will we will take every step with calmness and evaluate each time the situation."

Balotelli scored nine goals in 26 league appearances for Inter last season but was not a starter in Jose Mourinho's treble-winning side and grew frustrated at his lack of playing time.

The club have placed a 35million euro price tag on him and Inter president Massimo Moratti claims they are unlikely to accept anything less.

"We don't have the need to sell the players on the cheap," said Moratti. "Whoever sits with us to negotiate, will never negotiate at a low price.

"If they want our players, offers have to arrive and then we will see. But for the time being no players have asked me to be transferred.

"Mario wants more playing time and it's clear for a player of his age and his talent. He is trying to find out what role he can have in the team, although in a great club like Inter no player has a place guaranteed."