AC Milan have added to the speculation that they could bid for Mario Balotelli in the January transfer window.
The Manchester City forward joined the Premier League champions from Inter Milan in 2010 but has endured a spell of mixed fortunes at the Etihad Stadium.
The Italian has been frequently linked with a return to Milan, and AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has praised the qualities of the forward.
"He is an important player with extraordinary physical and technical qualities.
"I believe, however, given his qualities, he threw away a few years of his career."
Balotelli could feature in Sunday's Manchester derby for City against United at the Etihad.