Manchester United have joined Manchester City in the
race to sign Inter Milan forward Mario Balotelli, according to the
Serie A giants.
The talented but temperamental teenager has been linked with a
move to the Premier League this summer with City reported to have
had an initial offer rejected.
Inter president Massimo Moratti insisted earlier this week that
Balotelli would remain at Giuseppe Meazza under new manager Rafa
Benitez.
Technical director Marco Branca backed the stance of the
Nerazzurri supremo, but revealed that the interest from former
Inter boss Roberto Mancini was being matched from across
Manchester.
Branca is quoted in The Sun as saying: "We are fortunate to have
good players so it's normal big teams in Europe are thinking about
them.
"There is interest from Manchester United and from Manchester
City in Balotelli.
"But it is very early to say if there will be any business
done.
"Inter are in first position and we have to think about our
future."
Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola told Gazzetta dello Sport that the
player could stay in Milan.
He said: "The offers from the two Manchester clubs? Offers have
arrived from all the top clubs in Europe.
"Mario has never asked to leave the club.
"He would happily remain but it is Inter that has to decide his
future.
"The disagreements with Mou (Mourinho) have been overcome.
"Besides, Mario unlike others, knows how to forgive."
