By MARTIN BLACKBURN
MANCHESTER CITY have been told to drop their £31million asking price for Mario Balotelli tomorrow — or forget about selling him to AC Milan.
Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said: “On Friday, City still asked for £31m, we’ll see Monday.
“At that price, Balotelli will stay at Manchester City.”
City boss Roberto Mancini is keen to see the back of the striker, 22, who has already given notice on his rented house in Cheshire and has begun flying possessions back to Milan.
While Balotelli has caused Mancini nothing but trouble since his £22m switch from Inter Milan in 2010, David Silva was yesterday hailed as the best player in the Premier League as he turned up the heat on leaders Manchester United.
The Spaniard hit his first goals since November as the champions eased to a 2-0 win over Fulham.
Silva cut United’s lead to just four points ahead of their trip to White Hart Lane today and Fulham boss Martin Jol declared: “Silva was fantastic.
“He has extra quality — probably the best player in the Premier League.”
He scored his first after just 96 seconds.
And City assistant boss David Platt said: “His displays of late have deserved more goals. I’m pleased he’s got the two and he should’ve had three.
“Whether he’s scoring goals or not — his performances have been right.
“It’s harsh to say goals have been lacking because he’s in the team for all different reasons, not just his goalscoring ability.
“His performances over the last few months and all season have been good.
“Last season he had a few more goals but we know how important he is.”
