Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini has said that he was interested in signing Mario Balotelli during the summer.

The 22-year-old joined the Nerazzurri's city rivals AC Milan on a season-long loan from Liverpool, but Mancini admits that he held talks with the striker over a potential move.

"I admit it, it's true. I would've brought Balotelli to Inter," BBC Sport quotes Mancini as saying.

"At a certain point, we evaluated him as an understudy for Mauro Icardi. I thought of him because I know him, I care for him and know what he can give.

"I thought about it because he has to get back to being what he was. I thought about it... but then Milan got there first. Did we talk over the summer? Yes."

Balotelli is expected to make his second debut for Milan in tonight's derby against Inter at the San Siro.