Rafael Benitez wants Dirk Kuyt at Inter
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Inter Milan will use Mario Balotelli millions to snatch Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has paved the way to move for Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt after admitting that Mario Balotelli's exit is imminent.
Italy Under 21 striker Balotelli is expected to clinch a move to Manchester City this week for an initial £24million, with Moratti already talking about the striker in the past tense.
Asked about the departure of Balotelli, the San Siro chief said: 'Is it a defeat for Inter? Maybe so, we won't know until later.
Shake on it: New Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez wants to revive his former Liverpool ties with Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt
'Everyone is right about Balotelli: he is a talent, who, in my opinion, has yet to express himself 100 per cent. But this talent, in this moment, doesn't seem so indispensable.
'We have important offers and objectives of an economic character, so you make a sacrifice with the player who everyone wants, not with the one who you try to sell and no one wants.
'Balotelli remains a great talent, but for us it's almost an obligation to exit in this way. I definitely had a good relationship with him, then again I don't know what he'll say about that.'
City slicker: Balotelli's Eastlands arrival is 'imminent'
Balotelli's imminent arrival has alerted suitors about Emmanuel Adebayor's potential availability, but the Togo striker is looking forward to playing alongside City's latest big-money signing.
'I have had the chance to play alongside a lot of great strikers so whoever comes in they are welcome,' said Adebayor.
'We will do everything to help the person adapt to English football.
'Balotelli is originally from Ghana and he plays for Italy. I am an African man as well so for me it is going to be a pleasure meeting him.
'If he is supposed to sign for the club, fine. At the end of the day what is important is that we have to bring in players that can make us win things.'
Rafa Benitez wants to raid his old club Liverpool for Kuyt despite the signing being met with a lukewarm response in Milan.
However, Moratti is ready to back the man who stepped in when Jose Mourinho defected for the Real Madrid hot seat.
'We shouldn’t necessarily be always looking for star players, but functional ones,' said Moratti.
''There is a different coach, maybe slightly different from last year, but first and foremost he wants to keep the good players. Then we will start thinking about the team's true needs.'
Kop out: Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has voiced his desire to quit Liverpool
Kuyt's ability to play either up front or on the wings attracts Benitez, but the Spaniard agreed not buy players from Liverpool for three months after leaving Anfield.
An exception will be made for Argentina captain Javier Mascherano, who desperately wants to quit Merseyside for Inter, but Roy Hodgson may be more reluctant to part with his 30-year-old Holland international.
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Kuyt shld not go at any cost.
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tot Liverpool is eye-ing Forhorn * oops.. i meant forlan...
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wa
Rafa really is taking his ex players along
No No for Kuyt (although i dun like him)