The Daily Football Diary: AC Milan in Mario Balotelli talks

Keep bang up to date with the latest news, gossip, transfer rumours and results from the world of soccer in our daily round-up.

By Billy Walker
10:00 PM UTC 28 Jan 2013

cristiano ronaldo 487 mario balotelli with ac milan jersey 2012 The Daily Football Diary: AC Milan in Mario Balotelli talks

Balotelli soon to be wearing the Milan shirt?

AC Milan and Manchester City are in discussions over the possible transfer of Mario Balotelli, according to Sky Italia. A week after Berlusconi claimed the Italian striker was out of price range, it appears a deal could still be struck. However, there has been no word over this from anyone at Manchester City. David Platt told reporters in a press conference “We’ve three days left before the deadline, but I haven’t heard anything, to be honest. It’s speculation. It’s a shame Robbie’s not here, because he might know a lot more than me. As far as we’re concerned, he’s still a Manchester City player. I’m not aware of any negotiation.”

Lewis Holtby set for Tottenham Hotspur

Today, a club statement announced a deal has been struck with Schalke over the proposed move of Holtby to Spurs. Regardless of the fact the German international had signed a contract which would see him join the north London based club in July on a free, a deal believed to be around 1.5 Million has been conducted, which will see him join Andre Vilas-Boas’ men for the remainder of the season and beyond. Elsewhere, Everton have agreed a deal to sign Holland midfielder Leroy Fer from FC Twente for a fee believed to be in the region of £8million, despite interest from all over Europe. As well as this, Didier Drogba has signed for Galatasary on an 18-month deal.

FC+Schalke+04+v+Arsenal+FC+ +UEFA+Champions+League The Daily Football Diary: AC Milan in Mario Balotelli talks

Lewis Holtby – Vilas-Boas’ latest addition

Xavi Hernandez signs Barcelona contract extension

Barcelona confirmed on their Official site that Xavi Hernandez was signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Camp Nou until June 2016. The 33-year old’s contract was set to expire in 2014. The Spanish international came through the ranks at the Catalan club and has notched over 600 appearances.

Bastian Schweinsteiger wants Michael Ballack benefit match

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger told Kicker Magazine Michael Ballack deserves a benefit match for what he did for German football. The former Germany captain was unable to play in the 2010 world cup, and this led his relationship with the German football association (DFB) to collapse. This meant with the former Chelsea player’s retirement saw no commendation. The 26-year old Bayern midfielder said “He did a great deal for German football. I saw him recently in Munich and he asked me if I would be keen on playing in a benefit match. If I was invited and my club allowed it, I’d love to play in his benefit match.”

Isco confirms new Malaga contract

Isco has brought an end to speculation linking him with a move to England by penning a new contract at Malaga. The new deal includes a £30 Million buy out clause. The young Spanish wonderkid said “I’m happy to have renewed. What happens in the future, nobody knows. I have trust in this team and I think we will continue improving this year, and that’s good for me and for the club.”