Mario Balotelli's agent has insisted that his client will still be a Manchester City player at the conclusion of the January transfer window.

The Italian international has been linked with a return to his homeland next month after he was substituted and subsequently criticised by manager Roberto Mancini for his performance during City's 3-2 loss to Manchester United yesterday afternoon.

However, when asked if Balotelli's intention is to stay with the Premier League champions, agent Mino Raiola told The Guardian: "Absolutely [he will]. You can ask me the question another four hundred times and it will always be the same answer."

Balotelli, 22, is reportedly a transfer target of AC Milan.