Inter Milan have received encouragement in their pursuit of Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

Corriere dello Sport says a £35 million offer is on the table to bring in the Argentine, who was already a target for new Inter coach Rafa Benitez during his time at Liverpool.

However, City are taking advantage of the situation to target one of Roberto Mancini's favourite players, Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli was brought through to the senior squad by Mancini at Inter and flourished under his guidance.

Although President Massimo Moratti insists SuperMario is not for sale, the teenager has been frozen out numerous times for bad behaviour both on and off the field.