Mario Balotelli is set to end his Anfield misery by re-joining AC Milan on a season-long loan.
The Liverpool striker, who has been training away from the first-team squad for most of the past month, was in Milan at the weekend to try to agree a deal.
Milan, who sold Balotelli to the Reds for £16million last August, will not have to pay a loan fee. It is understood that Liverpool will pay half of the 25-year-old’s salary — likely to be around £2.5m.
There is no clause forcing Milan to sign him permanently in 12 months’ time but, for now, Liverpool will be relieved to move on a player who has flopped on Merseyside.
Sampdoria, Lazio and Bologna are among the clubs who have been linked with Balotelli this summer, but only Milan have shown firm interest. When asked at the weekend what the future held for Balotelli, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said: ‘It’s not something I’ve really thought of.
‘But every player that comes in here will be respected. We bring in players that are good players. Whether it works out for them, it’s up to them. It’s not fair to talk about an individual.’
If this move to AC Milan does not work, it is difficult to see where Balotelli goes next. Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has warned the Italian: ‘This is absolutely his last chance. I hope he understands this.’ – Daily Mail