Inter Milan boss Andrea Stramaccioni plays down Mario Balotelli rumours

Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni has distanced himself from speculation linking Mario Balotelli with a return to the club.

The Nerazzurri are reported to be interested in re-signing the controversial Italian striker in the wake of his training-ground bust-up with Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini. Sporting director Piero Ausilio revealed last week that Inter have a buy-back option on Balotelli - inserted when they sold him to City in August 2010 - but Stramaccioni insisted he has not been involved in a move for the 22-year-old. He told Mediaset Premium:

"Balotelli? Let's ask the president or the sporting director, but it's a negotiation far from us."

Despite Inter's claims of a buy-back clause, city rivals AC Milan remain strong contenders to sign Balotelli, while Serie A champions Juventus are also said to be interested.