Despite agent’s denial, Super Mario could soon play on the other side of the San Siro…

According to independent.ie, Milan are ready to offer Mario Balotelli a return to Italy in January after being made aware of Manchester City’s willingness to sell the controversial 22-year-old striker.

Since rejecting a €35 million bid from Paris Saint-Germain for the player during the summer, City manager Roberto Mancini has become increasingly exasperated by Balotelli’s performances and work ethic and has now accepted there is little value in persevering with the forward.

With Mancini determined to make a renewed attempt to sign the Roma captain, Daniele De Rossi, in January, any funds raised by the sale of Balotelli could prove significant in his efforts to lure the midfielder to City.

The troubled striker, who has been left out of the squad by Mancini for 2-1 victory against Tottenham on Sunday, is also a target for former club Inter. However, Inter are unlikely to be able to fund a move for the player until the end of the season and Milan believe they can beat their city rivals to the striker by offloading Brazilian Alexandre Pato during the transfer window.

“Super Mario” has failed to meet the challenge set by Manchester City coach, however, and the pair’s relationship has soured this season, with the manager shoving the player in the tunnel after a 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal.