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Sadly, Italy's latest boy wonder Mario Balotelli has been targeted by racists, but out of all things bad comes some good.

Just to prove that every cloud has a sliver lining, West Ham could well be set to benefit from the behaviour of the mindless idiots who hurled abuse at the Internazionale striker at the weekend.

The 18-year-old Italy U21 international, born to Ghanaian parents in Palermo but raised by an Italian family in Brescia, was taunted about his heritage during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Juventus.

Both Inter and Juve have been quick to condemn the actions of the brainless Bianconeri fans - culminating in a quickly-delivered stadium ban for Juve - but the damage might already have been done and Balotelli may be ready to look for pastures new.

At least that is what Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is thinking.

The Daily Mirror reports that the Italian tactician is keen on luring his compatriot to Upton Park where he would be able to enjoy life in the altogether more enlightened world of the Premier League.

With Zola's connections at Italy U21 level, he is sure to have the inside track on the muscular youngster, who has netted six times in Serie A this season - no mean feat considering the defensive quality of the Italian top flight.

Sticking with the kids for a moment, it has emerged that Brazilian starlets Fabio and Rafael Da Silva spurned Arsenal in favour of moving to Manchester United.

Arsene Wenger was interested by the twins, as were Real Madrid , but the defensive duo were lured to Old Trafford because "everyone knows them". Hmm. Unlike Real?

No matter, the important thing is that the brothers are enjoying life at United, not least because of the great sense of humour pervading the club.

Left-back Fabio told the Daily Mail: "Senhor Alex (Ferguson) has always been very supportive of us. He likes to know what people are like on and off the field. He jokes around with us.

"Rio (Ferdinand) is a great friend of ours. He has been great. He's the biggest joker of them all."

He's not wrong. If you need any further proof, take a look at the new Ferdinand-backed quarterly lifestyle digital magazine, entitled, rather humbly, Rio. Or perhaps his shoot-out penalty at Wembley.

Down to the Midlands now, where Premier League newboys Wolves have signalled their intent to make a mark on the top flight by targeting Michael Mancienne.

The England U21 defender spent a successful two months on loan at Molineux earlier in the season and Mick McCarthy is keen for a reunion, albeit an expensive one - the Daily Star reckons it will cost him £4 million to lure the defender away from Chelsea .

Over at Tottenham, Harry Redknapp's one-man mission to bring back any player sold before he took over has hit a snag after Federic Kanoute admitted he struggled to handle the pace of the English top flight.

The Sevilla ace said: "I enjoyed playing football a lot in the Premier League, but I was a bit tired."

If he was tired four years ago, the 31-year-old wouldn't stand a chance these days. Time to look elsewhere Harry.

In other tittle-tattle, Everton target Joao Moutinho has penned a new deal with Sporting, effectively ending David Moyes's hopes of bringing the Portugal international to Goodison Park.

And finally, veteran Derby defender Andy Todd could be the latest ageing pro to sell up and head to the other side of the world to end his career, joining the likes of Robbie Fowler in Australia's A-League.

"The boy Andy Todd, who's playing at Derby, we've been interested in him," Perth Glory boss Dave Mitchell said, not mincing any words at all.

Eurosport