Manchester City 'rebuff AC Milan's Mario Balotelli bid'

Manchester City have reportedly turned down a bid from Serie A side AC Milan for the services of striker Mario Balotelli.

The controversial forward has been linked with an exit from the Etihad Stadium in the January transfer window, despite manager Roberto Mancini insisting that he wants to keep hold of the 22-year-old.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan have informed the Premier League champions that they will not pay more than £21.2m for the Italy international.

Balotelli has been second fiddle to fellow strikers Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko at City this season.