Report: Liverpool in talks to sign Mario Balotelli
Liverpool is close to signing Italian international striker Mario Balotelli from AC Milan, according to The Guardian.
The report says that the two sides are close to a £16 million agreement, though Milan reportedly wants £20 million for Balotelli.
According to the report, Balotelli is quoted as saying, “Today is my last day at Milan.”
Liverpool is looking to replace Luis Suarez, who this summer signed with Barcelona for $130 million. Suarez is banned for four months for biting an opponent during the World Cup.
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Liverpool’s transfer window ends on Sept. 1 and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said the squad is looking to add a striker before the deadline, though last month Rodgers said that he had no interest in bringing Balotelli to Anfield.
More from The Guardian:
Talks between Anfield officials and the player’s representatives will resume in Liverpool on Thursday over the proposed permanent transfer of Balotelli. Liverpool offered to sign the 24-year-old on loan on Wednesday but a combination of an exorbitant loan fee and Milan’s refusal to take the striker back should he cause problems for Brendan Rodgers ended that possibility.
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