• Premier League

Agent claims Milan want funds for Balotelli deal

ESPN staff
January 24, 2013
Ignazio Abate could be sold to make way for Mario Balotelli © PA Photos
Enlarge

Ignazio Abate's agent believes AC Milan could be willing to consider further offers from Zenit St Petersburg as they need to raise cash to fund a deal for Mario Balotelli.

Zenit, led by former Roma coach Luciano Spalletti, have seen a €10 million bid for Abate, 26, rejected and it would appear the full-back is likely to stay with the Rossoneri.

However, Milan have sold Alexandre Pato to Corinthians this month, and it would appear that Robinho remains keen to secure a return to Brazil. That would leave the club short of numbers in attack, and Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has made no secret of his interest in Manchester City striker Balotelli.

As such, agent Claudio Pasqualin feels there is still a chance Abate could be moved on.

"We thank Zenit and Spalletti for their interest but the lad will remain in Italy with Milan," he told reporters on Wednesday. "If Zenit raise their offer, then maybe something will change, considering Milan are looking for the cash to take Mario Balotelli."

Milan have also expressed an interest in signing Shanghai Shenhua striker Didier Drogba.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices