Inter discuss Balotelli transfer with City

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti admitted that he is in discussions with Manchester City about the possible transfer of teenage striker Mario Balotelli.

The Italian of Ghanaian origin is a controversial figure in Italy, admired for his undoubted talent but also disliked due to a perceived arrogant attitude.

He is considered by many to be the best young talent in the country but that European and Italian champions Inter should be considering selling him says a lot about the problems that accompany him.

And speaking to Italian Sky Sports outside his offices in Milan, Moratti said he had not yet decided what to do with the player, for whom Manchester City and former Inter boss Roberto Mancini have allegedly offered 35 million euros.

"We're waiting to see what offers we have and how the player behaves because that too could have a bearing," said Moratti.

"We're waiting, considering, dealing but I haven't taken any definitive decision yet."

Mancini has said that Inter are asking for too much money for a player who has yet to establish himself as a regular first team starter despite breaking through three years ago.

But Moratti denied that would be a stumbling block to an eventual transfer.

"There is a dialogue between Inter and Manchester City which isn't too difficult," he said.

"It's just about finding a deal that is interesting for us while also being fair to them.

"Everyone is looking after his own interests and Mancini says this because, rightly, he's defending the interests of his club."

Balotelli has scored some spectacular goals for Inter but enraged fans last season when he threw his shirt to the ground at the end of their Champions League semi-final, first leg victory over Barcelona after being jeered by fans unhappy with his lack of commitment having entered the fray as a second half substitute.

He has also suffered racial abuse, particularly from Juventus fans and was several times excluded from the Inter first team squad by ex-coach Jose Mourinho for not trying hard enough in training.

Meanwhile, Inter have let young Swiss midfielder Alen Stevanovic join second division Torino with centre-back Simone Benedetti moving in the other direction and signing a five-year deal.