Manchester City appear to be losing patience with “Bonkers Balotelli” as rumours have began circling of replacements being short listed for the summer. One of those targets is Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi, according to reports in Italy.

The Argentinean has scored nine goals this season and has helped Napoli to 3rd in the table. The Italian club are pushing for a Champions League place to hold down key players such as Lavezzi, while also being able to improve the squad further using the revenue that will come from gaining Champions League football.

The striker, not known for his outstanding scoring records, is very creative in the final third of the pitch. He is a fan favourite at the Stadio San Paolo with exceptional skills, great technique and electrifying pace.

These attributes however, are more than enough to succeed in the Premier League and Mancini is confident he could tempt the forward to a move to England. City will again, be expected to pay something near the £30 million mark as the Italian side will look to hold out for as much as possible. This could force out the interest of Spurs and Liverpool who have also shown an interest this season.

Meanwhile, the actions of Balotelli have had Mancini worrying about his job, given it was him who signed the striker in a £24m deal last summer from Inter Milan. Mancini had no worries at the time and that he could mature into one of the best players in the world. Since his move to Manchester however the forward has endured a turbulent debut season in England which has featured two red cards, becoming homesick and a training ground bust-up with team-mate Jerome Boateng.

Balotelli has been linked with a move back to Italy pretty much since his arrival from his homeland. AC Milan are rumoured to be interested in the striker who Balotelli has encouraged to chase him. He also responded to Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and how the Swede told how he would love to team up with Balotelli at the San Siro.

And City’s 20-year-old striker admits spearheading the Rossoneri’s frontline with the Swedish superstar is something which appeals to him. Balotelli added: “I will tell Ibrahimovic to carry on calling me so one day his desire comes true and I will be able to wear the Milan shirt.”