Jan 27, 2013 10:57 PM EST
EPL Transfer News: Mario Balotelli Set for Milan Move as Talks Begin; Norwich to Improve Bid for Celtic Striker Hooper

AC Milan are reportedly in talks with Manchester City to bring in Mario Balotelli, despite Roberto Mancini's insistence that the temperamental forward would not leave the club.

Milan have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old all January, and have reportedly told City they want to sign the Italian.

It is understood no formal bid has been put forward, but talks are ongoing between the two sides as Balotelli's controversial stint at City seems to be coming to an end.

Milan had complained about the fact that the English Premier League champions wanted too much money for Balotelli, so a loan move until the end of the season with a view to a permanent transfer also cannot be ruled out.

Balotelli is reportedly desperate to leave City to resurrect his career which has stalled alarmingly this season, culminating in a bust-up with manager Mancini.

Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri admitted his admiration for the player but would not be drawn out on revealing the club's interest in signing Balotelli.

"Balotelli? I won't think about him because he is a Manchester City player," Allegri told Sky Italia.

"If he arrives here, then I'll consider how to approach him. Obviously, I wouldn't say no.

"We are setting up a good, disciplined group and that is important in a difficult League like Serie A."

Meanwhile, Norwich are readying an improved bid for Celtic striker Gary Hooper, as Chris Hughton looks to strengthen his forward line, according to the Daily Mail.

Celtic have already rejected an offer of around £5 million ($8 million) for their star forward, but Norwich are now ready to improve their bid to £7 million ($11 million).

The Scottish champions, however, are insisting on £8 million ($12.5 million) for Hooper and manager Neil Lennon said they would not be forced to sell the player at the last minute.

"The last thing we want to do is succumb to a bid on the last hour or last day of the window, which gives us no chance to get any business done," he said.

"But we've made it clear that we don't want that to happen, and I'm pretty sure it won't -- regardless of the offers coming in. If players are hot property now, they will be hot property in June.

"I think things will hot up in the next three or four days -- it normally does. The window will shut on Thursday and we're waiting for it to close. We may do a bit of business ourselves as we're working on a few things."

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