Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero is in England to negotiate with Liverpool FC for the transfer of Mario Balotelli, according to reports in Italy.
Mario Balotelli has endured a miserable time at Liverpool FC with the 24-year-old scoring a paltry 4 goals in 28 appearance this season following a A?16m move from AC Milan.
AC Milan are also in the hunt for the forward and are ready to re-sign him, with Liverpool hoping to recoup their A?16m fee as reported earlier.
Balotelli is certain to leave Anfield and Liverpool Echo reporter James Pearce had said that Sampdoria was the most likely destination for the forward:
a I would be absolutely amazed if Mario Balotelli was still a Liverpool FC player on the first day of next season. You only have to look at how fleetingly he was used last season to see where he stands.a
a I certainly expect Balotelli to move, possibly to Sampdoria, but Liverpool may struggle to get even half of what they paid for him (A?16m).a
And while Liverpool FC may settle for a loss on the player, his wages, reportedly 6 million Euro per season could be a stumbling block for the player. But with Euro 2016 in the summer following the 15-16 season. Balotelli will want to start firing again and may very well consider the move.
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Ferrero is a big admirer of Balotelli and was quoted saying: a There is certainly the idea of bringing in Balotelli, especially if we want to play in Europe.a
Sampdoria have qualified for the Europa League following a stellar Serie A campaign while Liverpool FC finished a disappointing 6th in the Premier League, largely due to an in effective strike force with Balotelli one of the prime culprits.
Liverpool FC will be hoping to offload the Italian and with Sampdoria interested in the move, there is a good chance the deal will go ahead provided personal terms can be agreed with the player.