January Transfer Rumors 2014: Mario Balotelli To Join Jose Mourinho, Chelsea? Star Reportedly Unhappy At AC Milan

As January transfer window rumors continue to heat up, recent news from Italy indicates that one of the top players in Serie A has grown increasingly unhappy with his current club and that a transfer to another high-profile league is not out of the question. According to NESN Soccer, AC Milan and Italian National Team star Mario Balotelli has grown tired of his situation in Italy and the possibility that the 23-year-old striker will head back to the Barclays Premier League certainly exists.

Balotelli -- who played with BPL affiliate Manchester City from 2010 to 2013 -- has been linked with moves out of Milan in the past but because speculation seems to indicate that he is no longer happy with his current club, many have linked the talented goal-scorer to Jose Mourinho and the Blues. A return to the Premier League would certainly put an even greater spotlight on the rising star and even though multiple reports say Balotelli is seeking a transfer, AC Milan said last week that their premier talent will not be posted for sale during the winter transfer window.

“AC Milan categorically denies statements that have been attributed to club President Silvio Berlusconi regarding the possible transfer of Mario Balotelli,” the club said in a statement. “Mario Balotelli is and will remain an AC Milan player.” Balotelli’s agent Mino Raiola, who is never shy when it comes to talking about his laundry list of clients publicly, backed the statement of AC Milan as well, indicating that all reports around the striker are false and that the journalism reporting the transfer rumors is amateurish.

“I have not spoken with anyone,” Raiola, who also represents PSG star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and others, said recently. “They are liars and this is low-level journalism. I agree with what is reported on AC Milan's official website with regard to the fact Balotelli is not available for transfer in January.”

Jose Mourinho and Chelsea have been linked to transfer rumors involving the purchase of Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain and even the departure of current Blues star Juan Mata this winter, but nothing has materialized.

If a player of Balotelli’s caliber were to become available however, the Chelsea boss would certainly have to explore the possibility of signing him. In 12 league contests, Balotelli has recorded 6 goals while handing out 3 assists. A move back to the Premier League could rejuvenate the young talent and a reunion with former coach Jose Mourinho seems like a possibility, even if the two had their fair share of differences in the past.

In 71 matches under Mourinho while the two were at Inter Milan, Balotelli notched 21 goals, a clear indication that a high level of talent certainly existed with the scorer.