Midfielder Ahmad Benali has left City to join Italian Serie B side Brescia.

After signing professional terms with the Blues in 2010, the former England u17 player has struggled for first team opportunities and spent part of last season on loan at Rochdale.

Benali took to Twitter to announce the three-year deal and also told Sky Sports,

"I am delighted to join Brescia Calcio, and am looking forward to repaying the faith they have shown in me.

"I am ready and eager to help Brescia this season in the quest to return to Serie A, where the club belongs.

"The thought of a challenge in a new country excites me and I look forward to proving myself and showing my qualities"

A previous resident of Brescia, Mario Balotelli, has a new fan in the son of Italian striker Antonio Di Natale. Goal.com reports that Di Natale junior’s request for a Mario Mohawk was quickly rejected by his father.

Football Italia suggest that City could express an interest in Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia. Inter, who signed Ranocchia for €19 million from Genoa, have recently acquired Matias Silvestre meaning Ranocchia could now be surplus to requirements at the San Siro.

The Express says that City have rejected a bid from AC Milan to take Aleksandar Kolarov on loan. The Daily Star also discuss the Serbian international, suggesting that crunch talks are to be held with Roberto Mancini to decide the player’s future.