Mario Balotelli to Liverpool Gains Steam as Talks Reportedly Open

After initially denying that there were any negotiations on-going with Liverpool over the sale of striker Mario Balotelli, it looks like there’s a bit more to the story than initially suggested with rumours that formal talks have been opened between the two sides.

“At the moment there has been no offer from Liverpool from Balotelli, so there are no negotiations, was the official stance of AC Milan according to CEO Adriano Galliani, but his refusal to rule out the wholly entertaining headcase leaving just lead to even more speculation. “But the transfer market finishes on September 1, so we’ll see.” If we’re going to see, it’s starting to look like it’ll be sooner rather than later with a number of respected journalists reporting that the two sides are getting down to the nitty-gritty.

Times journalist Tony Barrett is reporting that an initial approach over a loan for the 24-year old has lead to talks over a permanent deal while Italian Sky Sports pundits Fabrizio Romano and Gianluca Di Marzio are both saying that AC Milan will not let him leave without a cash deal in place. This all sounds like a far cry from Liverpool boss “categorically denying” that Balotelli would be playing in the famous Red shirt come September.

Following the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, the Anfield outfit have been in the market to bring in a top class replacement for the Uruguayan. After a deal with QPR striker Loic Remy broke down to a failed medical, Liverpool have been scouring the market and have been linked with everyone and anyone. As talks between the two sides progress, their chase could be coming to an end — more on this in the near future.