Mario Balotelli linked with MLS move but Philadelphia insists it won’t be with them

MLS side Philadelphia Union have insisted they are not looking to sign Nice striker Mario Balotelli.

The Italian marksman has yet to score in eight matches for Patrick Vieira’s side this term.

And there have been reports that the Union were interested in signing the former Man City man in a bid to bolster their attacking threat.

Philadelphia Union Sporting director, Ernst Tanner, is currently on a European tour scouting for a striker.

But he has insisted Balotelli, 28, is not the man they are targeting.

Speaking to the Tanner said: “There is not a piece of truth in that story.

“I don’t know why this is coming up. … I never was in touch with him. I never was going for that type of striker.

“It doesn’t make sense in terms of what we are really looking for.”

Philadelphia had a surprisingly good season in America’s division.

They finished sixth in the the Eastern Conference before being knocked out by New York City in the postseason knock-out round.

And with an exciting homegrown squad already, Tanner is looking to build on the foundations and recruit for next season.

He said: “I’m more interested in putting together a real good team for the next season.

“In terms of strikers, we are looking for young strikers and we are really in good negotiations in this moment.

“Maybe I can present something before Christmas, I don’t know, but it looks not bad.”