Last Updated: Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:46
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has hailed Mario Balotelli sparking suggestions they could swoop for the Manchester City striker.
The Italy international's future at City has always been uncertain since boss Roberto Mancini splashed out £24million to take him to the Etihad Stadium from Inter Milan in summer 2010.
And while Mancini has always maintained that he is a big fan of Balotelli, he has only handed him one start in the club's last eight matches in all competitions, including only making a substitute appearance in Tuesday's 1-0 Champions League defeat away at Borussia Dortmund.
It is being suggested that Mancini is fed up with Balotelli's off-field antics which have regularly resulted in negative headlines in the British media.
Milan coach Allegri is aware of Balotelli's lack of action and has intimated that he would be willing to take him back to Italy's Serie A in the January transfer window.
Speaking ahead of his side's Champions League defeat to Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday night, Allegri said of Balotelli: "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."
Allegri also stated that Balotelli and current Milan hitman Stephan El Shaarawy would form a fearsome attacking partnership at the San Siro.
"I think they have done good things with the Italian national team," said Allegri. "But I want to talk about AC Milan and the players I have. Then, in January, we will see what happens."
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