City close on targets

Friday, 06/08/2010

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini claims the club are close to sealing deals for both James Milner and Mario Balotteli.

He revealed this afternoon that City are closing in on Aston Villa and England midfielder James Milner. The club have already had two bids knocked back for the former Leeds and Newcastle star.

It is thought that City have upped their bid to around £24m and have also offered players as part of the deal. This could include Stephen Ireland or Craig Bellamy, although the Welshman is wanted by Tottenham.

Mancini also claimed that - contrary to reports elsewhere - he had not given up signing Inter Milan teenage striker Balotelli. It had been claimed the Italy hitman had priced himself out of a move to Eastlands with excessive wage demands.

Mancini told Shoot: "We are close to Balotelli at the right price, we are talking to the player. James Milner is also close, closer than Balotelli, we are talking to him now. I am confident of signing both players."

• 

• Have your say