Napoli not interested in Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli

Napoli have no intention of buying Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, according to owner Aurelio de Laurentiis.

The 20-year-old has declared that he does not enjoy living in Manchester and has been linked with a move to his native Italy.

Asked if Napoli wanted to sign Balotelli, De Laurentiis told Sky Sport Italia: "Absolutely not. He is funny, but it is too disruptive and I prefer that he applies his talents elsewhere."

Meanwhile, Napoli are instead interested in Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi, who was previously a target of Juventus. However, Barcelona or Real Madrid are thought to be the player's dream clubs.

De Laurentiis said: "I understand the ambition of a young man to want to go to Barcelona or Real Madrid, it's normal.

"[Rossi] didn't say no to me, though, but this was around four weeks ago.

"I will try to buy him this season, but I'm ready to leave him in Spain."

Tottenham failed with a bid to land Rossi on the final day of last January’s transfer window.