Mario Balotelli's turbulent Manchester City career is nearing its end after the Premier League champions held talks with Serie A heavyweights AC Milan and Juventus over the possible sale of the striker.
The irascible Italian's future was plunged into further doubt this month after a training ground scuffle with manager Roberto Mancini, intensifying Milan's already tangible interest.
But now Italian champions Juve have also emerged to declare their interest as they seek to bolster their strikeforce, which lacks an outstanding figurehead.
Balotelli's last City appearance was as a substitute at Arsenal
The Bianconeri last week signed Athletic Club Bilbao's strapping striker Fernando Llorente, however the 27-year-old will join the club in July after his deal with Athletic has expired.
With Thursday's transfer deadline looming, speculation in Italy has suggested Milan are prepared to pay £20million plus add-ons. Balotelli cost City £24m when he signed from Internazionale in August 2010.
Balotelli did not make the trip to Stoke at the weekend
Contrary to some reports, Balotelli has travelled with the City squad to London for Tuesday's Premier League game at QPR. He was unavailable for the weekend FA Cup victory at Stoke City due to a virus.
However Balotelli has not started a match for City since his disastrous display in their 3-2 Manchester derby defeat to United on 9 December.
Balotelli is not impressed at his substitution in the Manchester derby
Hauled off by Mancini for Carlos Tévez just seven minutes into the second-half with the Citizens trailing 2-0, Tévez inspired a brief comeback as City levelled only for Robin van Persie to hit an injury-time winner.
Balotelli has scored a paltry three goals from 20 games, a quarter of his tally at this stage last season.
The Italy international also took City to a tribunal court over a £200,000 fine earlier this campaign, only to drop his action.