City unveil Balotelli as Mancini eyes Milner

MANCHESTER (AFP) – On a day when Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson slammed the ‘kamikaze’ spending of rival Premier League clubs, Manchester City made it clear they were not finished in the transfer market.

Tuesday saw new City striker Mario Balotelli officially presented by the club after his move from Inter Milan.

And City manager Roberto Mancini said the proposed 28 million pounds transfer of James Milner from Aston Villa was nearing completion.

Stephen Ireland is set to go the other way while City striker Craig Bellamy has stepped down a division to join Cardiff on loan.

Goalkeeper Shay Given could also be on his way out of Eastlands after losing his place to England’s Joe Hart.

But it is the Milner move that is uppermost in Mancini’s mind.

“I hope we can close it between today (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday),” Mancini said.

“I think Milner is a good player, an English player – which is important. I think he can play in different positions.”

Asked if the deal would involve Ireland, Mancini added: “I hope so. We have today and tomorrow to close the deal.”

Meanwhile, striker Balotelli insisted City were always the club he wanted to join, because of the influence of former Inter manager Mancini.

“I am happy to be here at Manchester City because of the manager and the environment,” said the 20-year-old.

“I was sorry to leave my family and friends behind in Italy but not for professional reasons.”

Balotelli was often criticised by coach Jose Mourinho, when the Portuguese was in charge of Inter Milan, but the player said: “I am not a bad boy. I am just a normal guy.”

Mancini added: “All of us were said to be bad boys when we are young. But I have worked with Mario before and he is a normal person.

“He is young player, only 20 years old, who can do a lot in the Premier League. He has all the qualities needed to become a fantastic player.”

Balotelli could make a surprise debut on Thursday against Timisoara in the Europa League provided both the Football Association and UEFA approve his registration before midnight (2300GMT) on Wednesday.