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Manchester United hold 'strong' interest for Balotelli

Mario Balotelli is valued at €35 million © Getty Images

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Inter Milan technical director Marco Branca says Manchester United and Manchester City have a "very strong" interest in Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli, who turns 20 next month, has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League in recent times. Roberto Mancini coached Balotelli during his time at Inter, while Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti suggested Old Trafford could be the ideal environment for a player who has often been the subject of controversy during his time in Serie A.

Gazzetta dello Sport claims directors from United met with Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola, on Monday in Amsterdam and also reported that they had tabled €35 million bid, and there have been reports City are set to hold a meeting this week.

Branca, though, says that while the interest is "real", there has yet to be a formal offer and added that Inter have no active interest in doing a deal.

"We are in a very privileged position having won so much and it's true that every day we are receiving calls because everyone wants at least six or seven of our champions," he told Sky Italia.

"Balotelli is priceless. At this time, he and Maicon are not on the market. When and if there are requests, we will kindly examine them but they are not on the market. The interest in Balotelli from both Manchester clubs is real and very strong, but has not reached an official offer. There will be no meeting with City on Thursday."

Branca is certainly not ruling out a deal, however, and appeared to suggest he may follow Jose Mourinho out of the club.

"Fans can rest easy - great people like Ibra [Ibrahimovic] and Mourinho are gone, but we have a great new staff and no one is bigger than the club. Even Balotelli."

Earlier this week, new Inter boss Rafael Benitez said: "At this point, these players are Inter players and I am happy with them because both are quality players."

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