BOTH Manchester United and City have been told Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli is not for sale amid “very strong” interest.

Technical Director for the Seria A team, Marco Branca, has said both Manchester teams have expressed “very strong” interest in signing the 20-year-old.

Branca told Sky Italia; “Balotelli is priceless. At this time he is not on the market.” He continued; “The interest from both Manchester clubs is real and very strong, but there has been no official approach. Fans can rest easy.”

Several reports around Italy said United directors had met Balotelli’s agent, Mino Raiola, in Amsterdam on Monday to discuss a �29m bid, and there are also reports suggesting City would hold a similar meeting this week.