Mario Balotelli has scored one goal for Man City this term Photo: Kelvin Gillmor

Mario Balotelli could still leave Manchester City before the end of the current transfer window, according to the striker’s agent.

The 22-year-old has struggled to hold down a place in Roberto Mancini’s first-team this season, scoring just once in seven Premier League starts – his last came in a 3-2 loss to Manchester United on 9 December.

The Italy international was not involved in City’s 1-0 victory over Stoke City in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, which has led to renewed speculation that he could be set to leave next week.

AC Milan have been heavily linked with a swoop to sign the former Inter Milan star, and Balotelli’s agent Mino Raiola remained coy when asked about the striker’s future.

“The truth about Mario? You have to ask to others, because I cannot say it,” Raiola told Radio Deejay.

“Until January 31, anything can happen, we are monitoring. We have not talked about money because there is nothing concrete yet.

“But I can rule out the loan, the City directors do not accept this solution. Also because they received a €40million (£34m) offer for Mario during the European Championship.”

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani also hinted that there is still a small chance Balotelli could join the seven-time European cup winners, ruling out deals to sign Didier Drogba and Kaka.

“Kaka and Drogba are 101% not coming to Milan. Balotelli? He is 99.9%…” Galliani told milannews.it.