Liverpool are set to end weeks of speculation regarding who their next striker will be when they complete the capture of Italian international Mario Balotelli from AC Milan later on this week.
After initially denying interest in the 24-year old, speculation kicked into high gear after the Milanese outfit denied that negotiations were on-going between the two sides. It’s believed that an initial loan deal with a view to purchase should he impress on Merseyside was turned down by the Rossoneri with a straight cash deal of £16mil — less than what they paid to bring in him in from Manchester City — now on the table for a permanent transfer. Although talks are on-going, it appears that the bulk of the deal is in the bag.
“Mario Balotelli left Milanello’s sporting centre at 13:30 local time, after saying goodbye to his team-mates” a statement on Milan’s website read. “Before leaving the premises, the striker has said goodbye to members of Milan’s press office.”
Having qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2009, the Reds have been busy all summer in the transfer market strengthening key areas of the squad. Should they complete the move for the Italian mad man, he will be Reds boss Brendan Rodgers — who made no secret of his need for another top class striker — ninth signing of the summer.
“It is something that we will look at, but it will depend on the availability of one” he said of their search for a replacement for Luis Suarez. “We will search through to the end of the transfer window.” Balotelli is expected on Merseyside later this week to complete a medical and formalize a move. Although it’s unlikely that he’ll be available for Monday’s trip to Manchester City, he could very well be in the ranks by the time Liverpool travel to Tottenham Hotspur.
