Report: Balotelli nears short-term Marseille move

Mario Balotelli's stay on the French Riviera appears set to continue - this time in Marseille.

The disgruntled Nice striker's reportedly set to sign a short-term deal until the remainder of the season in a long-rumored move, according to BBC Sport.

Balotelli, who has not played for Les Aiglons since Dec. 4, was reportedly close to signing with Marseille in the summer before extending his stay at the Allianz Arena for another season.

It's all gone pear-shaped for the 28-year-old since. A reported bust-up with Nice gaffer Patrick Vieira prompted the midfielder-cum-manager to give the Italian an ultimatum. "I have given Mario a few extra days off to think about his future and what he wants to do," Vieira said in late December.

Further reports suggest any delay in a long-speculated switch to the Stade Velodrome stem from a salary impasse between the two parties as Balotelli and Nice look to void his current terms by mutual consent.