Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insists he will not sell flop forward Mario Balotelli this summer.
The 20-year-old has failed to make an impact since making a big-money move from Inter Milan, with a knee injury suffered on his debut keeping the Italian on the sidelines for some time.
His return to action brought goals and a red card against West Brom, and City supporters had been hoping his hat-trick against Aston Villa was a sign of things to come.
But Balotelli reinjured his knee and spent more time on the sidelines, and when he returned he needlessly got himself sent off as City exited the Europa League at the hands of Dynamo Kiev, angering boss Mancini.
Throughout this season Balotelli has been linked with a return to Serie A with AC Milan, and there have been suggestions that Mancini could now cut his losses on the Italy international.
But the City boss told Il Giorno: “The problem is that it's written that the Rossoneri want him and that there's an agreement, it creates confusion and tension.
“I personally don't mind, but it's unlikely that City will sell their good players.
“Mario was very unfortunate with his knee problems. But, if he wants, he's in a position to change himself in games, but it depends on him.”