Italy and Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is in a race against time to be fit for the Azzurri’s crunch Group C encounter with Republic of Ireland on Monday – that’s according to the BBC.

They report that Mario suffered a knee injury in training that could see him make way for 34-year old Udinese forward Antonio Di Natale in the starting line-up.

Italy must win against Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland to have any chance of sealing a place in the last eight, while hoping that David Silva’s Spain do them a favour by defeating Croatia.

In more Mario-centric news, The Guardian has reported that the Croatian FA have been charged by UEFA for racist chanting directed aimed at the 21-year old.

Uefa said in a statement:

"Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) for the setting-off and throwing of fireworks, and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols) at the Uefa Euro 2012 Group C match against Italy in Poznan on Thursday. The Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on 19 June.

“It is understood Uefa is also still investigating allegations the Manchester City striker, 21, was subjected to monkey chants in Italy's opening match against Spain on Sunday.”

Meanwhile, The Sun’s chief football writer Paul Smith claims an “exclusive” with news that Jose Mourinho is prepared to table a £30m bid for David Silva this week.

Smith doesn’t give a source but says that the former Chelsea boss is going to follow up the interest that Madrid showed in the midfielder before he joined City in 2010.

As always, the Manchester City website is the only place to get your official transfer news as and when moves are confirmed.

Finally, Gael Clichy has told Sky Sports that he has no regrets in joining Manchester City last summer. The 26-year old full-back won a place in his national team after an impressive first season at the Etihad Stadium - form he attributes to his switch from the Emirates.

"In my head, it is a turning point in my career. I wanted to see where it could take me. I do not regret it for a moment, as I have gained in self-confidence.

"It has been 10 years that I have played in the Premier League, which is not bad.

"I am champion of England and that is important in the life of a player, one feels stronger."

Gael will hope to retain his place for Les Bleus when they take on Sweden in France’s final Group D match on Tuesday. We’ll be on #Eurowatch on Twitter giving you live match updates as Laurent Blanc’s side seek a place in the last eight.