Man City intrigued by another Serie A star
There have been reports that Manchester City are considering getting rid of Mario Balotelli this summer after his first-half dismissal proved a major factor in their Europa League exit at the hands of Dynamo Kiev last week, and it has been suggested that they will shop in Italy for replacement.
Wednesday's Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that Roberto Mancini is pondering a bid for Napoli's Diego Maradona-approved Argentine forward Ezequiel Lavezzi, and the English press have argued that such a move would pave the way for Balotelli to return to Serie A in the summer.
Lavezzi wouldn't be a like-for-like change though, as he plays on the left in a front three in Naples, alongside Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik, with the Uruguayan the focal point, though with Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko central options at Eastlands, El Pocho could slot into Mancini's favoured 4-3-3.
A swap deal isn't out of the question either because while Balotelli has stated in recent interviews in Italy a desire to be a success at Manchester City, he has spoken several times about his eagerness to one day play for the Partenopei. He confirmed earlier this week his interest in buying a house there.
Lavezzi would certainly be an intriguing addition for the Citizens, having perhaps arrested doubts about his ability to adapt to the Premier League with a first-half masterclass against Liverpool at Anfield in the Europa League earlier this season.
Top scorer Cavani gets most of the credit for Napoli's surprise Serie A title challenge - they are three points behind leaders AC Milan and [8.4] to finish first - but Lavezzi's importance was shown when they lost to the table-toppers and were held by Brescia in his absence, only to win twice since his return.
Could Lavezzi make it at Eastlands? Share your thoughts in the box below...
Published: 24 Mar 2011
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