• Premier League

Mancini reveals Balotelli will sign 'today or tomorrow'

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini expects to sign Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli "today or tomorrow" and admitted the deal was "close" to completion on Friday.

Balotelli has been on City's radar all summer and flew into Manchester to undergo a medical on Friday, a day after it looked as though the deal may have stalled.

But after talks between the two clubs on Thursday, the negotiations progressed and the Italian striker now looks set to move to the Premier League in a deal Gazzetta dello Sport reports is worth €28 million.

"We are close with Balotelli," Mancini told a press conference on Friday morning. "Hopefully today or tomorrow. Mario is on his way here today."

Balotelli's Inter team-mate Marco Materazzi admits it is not good news for the team's chances this season. "I am happy for Mario, but we will be weakened by his departure," he told Gazzetta.

Mancini also said James Milner was close to signing from Aston Villa, although they are still sorting out the details of the deal. "We need another two or three days for this situation," he said. "We need everyone to be happy."

It is reported that the Milner deal is being held up because Stephen Ireland - who is due to be part of a part-exchange deal - is demanding a £2 million pay-off.

Asked whether that was the case, Mancini replied: "I don't know about that. Everything must be in a good way for everybody."

Mancini was non-committal about Robinho's chances of remaining at Eastlands, but there is no place in his plans for Craig Bellamy, who is attracting interest from Fulham, Tottenham, Sunderland and Celtic. "I have to choose 25," Mancini said. "The rest must find another team. Craig is out of the list."

Mancini also rejected suggestions City are set to buy Benfica defender David Luiz and Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Balotelli and Milner set to represent the final deals of the summer. "After these two players - finished," Mancini said.

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