Roberto Mancini moves to deny Mario Balotelli exit talk amid AC Milan link

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has again moved to deny reports Mario Balotelli is on his way out of the club.

Mancini last week insisted that Balotelli, who's future has been the subject of debate for much of the season, was staying at the Etihad Stadium despite a training ground bust-up between the pair.

That has not stopped speculation this week that City would be willing to sell the Italy international to AC Milan.

However, Mancini is adamant that the 22-year-old is going nowhere any time soon.

"No, it is not true. I am very, very happy [with Mario]," he said, ahead of Sunday's clash with Arsenal.

And Balotelli is in contention to feature against the Gunners at the Emirates, after a goalscoring appearance for City's Under-21s on Monday.

Asked if this was a fresh start for Balotelli, Mancini said: "Next question! No, I hope. He went with the under-21s because he needed a game.

"After 40 days without a game, he needed one game. He trained well and I hope this year will be different."