Atletico Madrid have offered encouragement to Manchester City in their latest round of talks over the sale of Radamel Falcao.

AS says City's tentative offer, which includes Mario Balotelli, has been welcomed by Atletico directors.

Atletico football chiefs are big fans of Balotelli and would prefer a readymade replacement lined up for Falcao should they lose the Colombian.

The one concern for Atletico is Balotelli's temperament and whether the Italian is capable of settling in Madrid.