Balotelli's younger brother Enoch joins Salford City

17/11/2012 5:30:00 AM

The Manchester City star's sibling has joined the Northern Premier League First Division outfit, which is based five miles away from Etihad Stadium, after a failed Stoke City trial

Enoch Balotelli, the younger brother of Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, has joined semi-professional outfit Salford City on a free transfer.

The 20-year-old signed for the mid-table Northern Premier League First Division side after failing to impress Stoke City, with whom he was on trial with last season.

Salford confirmed the move on Friday on the club’s official website, with the deal hinging on international clearance.

A statement read: “Salford City FC are pleased to announce the signing of Enoch Barwuah, younger brother of Manchester City star Mario Balotelli. The signing is subject to Enoch gaining international clearance, which should hopefully come through in the next couple of weeks.”

Salford chairman Darren Quick was understandably delighted with the deal to take Balotelli to Moor Lane.

He told BBC North West Sport: "He's been training with us and he's signed for us, subject to international clearance.

"It's great for Salford. We hope he can play a few games for us and he can use it as a stepping stone to find a level more suited to him."

And Quick is eager to view other impacts of the move, expecting it to generate more spectators through the gate, namely Mario Balotelli.

He continued: "I've not met him but I'm told he's a really nice lad and a really good footballer.

"We play a decent standard of football but some lads don't want to drop to that level.

"These things can work for both parties. We might get a few more through the gate, and maybe his brother might even come and watch us."