Unable to find a suitable replacement for the scoring prowess of Luis Suarez, Liverpool FC have turned their attention to Italian football. According to Sky Sport Italia (via Goal Transfer Talk), the Reds are negotiating with AC Milan for the sale of Mario Balotelli.
The deal would see the controversial striker land in Anfield for a reported €28 million.
The news, however, is in direct contrast to comments from Brendan Rodgers during the 2014 International Champions Cup. The Liverpool boss was adamant when asked about the prospects of bringing Balotelli to Merseyside, categorically denying rumors.
"I can categorically tell you Mario Balotelli will not be at Liverpool," Rodgers said on the eve of Liverpool's game against Manchester United in Miami (via the Guardian). "In my last press conference, I was asked a question about Mario Balotelli and I talked about what a talent he was and what an excellent player he was. And the next day, it was wrote as if we were signing him."
"I just gave my perception of him as a player," he added. "It shouldn't be transmitted into us signing the player."
Desperate for an out-and-out striker, Rodgers has apparently changed his tune.
In 30 league appearances for Milan last season, Balotelli finished with a respectable 14 goals and six assists. His career average of 1.4 dribbles and 2.8 fouls drawn per match highlight the totality of his game. His infusion to the top of the club's formation would make Liverpool one of the favorites to capture the Premier League title.
As for his off the field concerns, it wouldn't be the first time the Kop is asked to support a controversial and productive striker.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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