Reports in Italy this afternoon have claimed that Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has begun transfer talks with AC Milan.

There have been conflicting reports over the last 24 hours, with some suggesting that Balotelli has told his teammates that he is close to joining Milan, while City assistant David Platt claimed that no transfer was in the offing for the 22-year-old.

However, the latest report to emerge from Sky Italia has claimed that Balotelli and his representatives have begun negotiations with officials from the Red and Blacks.

Any move would have to be completed by 11pm this Thursday evening when the transfer window closes for business.