Mario Balotelli’s agent compared the Manchester City striker to Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa on Thursday, saying that no Italian club could afford to buy him, or pay his wages. After AC Milan President and former Italy Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi confirmed his interest in signing the 22-year-old, Mino Raiola, his agent, quickly denied the link.

"No Italian club could afford him," Raiola told Sky Sport Italia. "Balotelli is as valuable as the Mona Lisa. And City have been very clear – they don't want to sell." Speculation over the temperamental Italian’s future has increased recently as he has started just one of City’s last eight matches in all competitions.

Milan coach Massimilano Allegri is an admirer of Balotelli and has hinted that he would like to see him play alongside Milan’s rising star Stephan El Shaarawy. "I think they have done great things with the Italian national team. [Balotelli] is a great player with extraordinary physical and technical qualities. However, given his qualities, I believe he has thrown away a few years of his career."