French daily L’Equipe accuses super-agent Mino Raiola of deliberate lies as Mario Balotelli’s future appears to be in limbo.
The Italy and Nice forward is currently at the centre of an ongoing transfer saga, with Marseille interested in securing his signature.
However, negotiations between the clubs have encountered numerous problems, with Raiola reportedly keen for his client to move elsewhere so he can secure a high commission fee.
Marseille are said to have agreed personal terms with the player, but they are unwilling to pay Raiola.
French daily L’Equipe accuses super-agent Mino Raiola of deliberate lies as Mario Balotelli’s future appears to be in limbo.
The Italy and Nice forward is currently at the centre of an ongoing transfer saga, with Marseille interested in securing his signature.
However, negotiations between the clubs have encountered numerous problems, with Raiola reportedly keen for his client to move elsewhere so he can secure a high commission fee.
Marseille are said to have agreed personal terms with the player, but they are unwilling to pay Raiola.
According to L’Equipe, the saga began in March when Raiola publically stated that Balotelli would be available on a free transfer this summer.
His comments, described as ‘deliberate lies,’ were reported to have angered and shocked Nice, given the 27-year-old still has one year remaining on his contract.
Marseille legal director Alexandre Mialhe then contacted Nice in June to enquire about the situation and the possibility of signing Balotelli.
Upon doing this, he was told Raiola had actually been informed that the former Inter and Milan man could leave for a fee of €10m – regardless of the club making a bid.
However, Marseille cannot afford to pay the transfer fee, in addition to satisfying Balotelli’s wage demands and paying Raiola’s commission.
They have agreed terms with the player and are willing to be flexible regarding his contract, but they are refusing to bow to the super-agent’s demands.
Balotelli is currently in pre-season training with Nice – despite reporting 15 days late – with new Coach Patrick Vieira said to be happy with his involvement.
L’Equipe finishes by stating Balotelli has told his Nice teammates that his transfer is being held up due to last minute interest from Paris Saint-Germain, although it casts doubt on this version of events.