Napoli are eyeing a January move for Nice striker Mario Balotelli.

Nice coach Patrick Vieira declared last night that Balotelli could be sold next month after freezing him out of his first team plans.

Gazzetta dello Sport says Napoli made an attempt last summer, with the support of coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The offer was for €2m-a-year - which was deemed too low by Balotell and rejected.

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis could yet try again in January.