Mario Balotelli's agent is "very confident" the Inter Milan striker will shortly join Manchester City after moving an important step forward in discussions.
Mario Balotelli's agent is "very confident" the Inter Milan striker will shortly join Manchester City after moving an important step forward in discussions.
Balotelli has long been linked with a move to City, where Roberto Mancini is keen to be reunited with the youngster he snapped up as Inter coach in 2006.
The Italy forward's agent Mino Raiola believes a deal could go through today, although he admits it is unlikely Balotelli will feature in City's opener against Tottenham on Saturday.
"On Thursday 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."
Raiola added: "Will he play on Saturday against Tottenham? Look, at this point I would say no. Even if we close the deal on Friday 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 the deal is not already done."
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