Manchester City are ready to flex their financial muscle and launch a bid for Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli if they fail to land Valencia striker David Villa, reports Leggo.

Leggo claims sources close to the Premier League side have revealed the club may even make a bid as early as January.

The striker fears his career will stall under Jose Mourinho and he has even threatened to hand in a transfer request.

If Inter refuse to sell, Balotelli could still join City on a loan deal from January until the end of the season.