Balotelli makes decision on Newcastle move amid Marseille interest

Mario Balotelli is set to snub Newcastle and sign for Marseille after being booted out of Nice by Patrick Vieira.

Balotelli, the controversial former Manchester City and Liverpool striker, had been offered a Premier League lifeline by Rafa Benitez as the Toon boss looked to boost his attacking options.

The Italian international has been banished from the Nice training ground by his former City team-mate Vieira after refusing to commit his future to the French League club.

But Marseille have also made an offer to the 28-year-old as they look to improve on their current sixth-place position in the table.

And the chance to play on the French Riviera looks to have won the day.

Marseille coach Rudi Garcia is unconvinced that Balotelli is the answer to his team's problems.

But president Jacques-Henri Eyraud is pushing for the move, with Lyon ready to tear up the remaining six months of Balotelli's contract.

“I have given Mario a few extra days off to think about his future and what he wants to do,” Vieira said a few days ago.

“He’s under contract here and everything is possible, if we can come to a common agreement who knows.

“When it comes to Mario, I want to answer back, or just slam him up against the wall or leave him hanging by his collar on the coat rack, but I can’t, as I’m no longer a player.

“I don’t want to say something I’ll regret. I am trying to be constructive in my comments to him.”