Mancini handed a 17-year-old Balotelli his Inter debut back in the 2007-08 season, his last as manager of the Nerazzurri, and talks have been ongoing over the two being reunited at Eastlands.

Reports in Italy claim those talks are progressing well, but Mancini is not willing to pay more than he thinks he's worth.

"There is money to sign everyone, but not to pay them a lot, as some people are saying," he toldLa Stampa.

"He (Balotelli) is one of the four or five strikers that interest us.

"I was the first to believe in him and I'm convinced about what he can do.

"Mario has two qualities that suit us, his talent and his age, because I want people able to build a cycle at Manchester City.

"But we come back to the problem of the valuation, which must be resolved.

"I think in about 10 days, certain situations will be clearer."

Eurosport