As reported by French outlet Canal +, OGC Nice manager Patrick Vieira has admitted that unsettled striker Mario Balotelli wants to leave the club.

What’s the story?

Balotelli joined the French outfit on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2016. During his two seasons plying his trade at the Allianz Riviera, the Italian international has rediscovered the kind of goalscoring form he last showed in his first spell with AC Milan.

Last season, in 28 Ligue 1 appearances, the 28-year-old found the back of the net 18 times and provided a single assist.

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Now, however, Balotelli appears set on finding pastures new. Certain Premier League sides should be alert to this turn of events, and hoping that the forward remains available come January so that they can make their move for his signature.

Amongst the English clubs who should be keeping tabs on this situation are West Ham, who would be wise to lure Balotelli to the London Stadium.

Moving for Mario

Although West Ham have spent big this summer, they still lack depth in the centre forward position. With Javier Hernandez ageing and Andy Carroll still plagued with injury issues, the Hammers could do with reinforcements in this area of the pitch.

If Manuel Pellegrini backs himself to get the best out of Balotelli, and to be able to temper his disciplinary troubles, then he’d be a major coup for the East London club.

The Italian has proven his quality in the Premier League before, most notably with Manchester City in their title winning 2012/13 campaign. He could now return to English football hungry to prove he still has what it takes to make it here.

The London Stadium would be the perfect stage for Balotelli to once again strut his stuff on these shores.