Ligue 1 club keen to land Liverpool striker target – report

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Published on:

29 Aug 2016, 12:16 pm

By Joe Nelson

Ligue 1 club Nice have reiterated their desire to sign Liverpool outcast Mario Balotelli, according to a report.

The Mirror claims that Balotelli, 26, travelled to Nice last Thursday to hold talks with the club, who sit third in the French top flight.

The speculation surrounding the move was further fuelled after Nice's 1-1 draw at home to Lille on Saturday, when the French club's president, Jean-Pierre Rivere, was quoted as saying: "Do you have Balotelli's number? Call him and tell him we need a striker in Nice."

Nice have recorded two wins and one draw from the opening three games of the season, but are yet to score more than one goal in each of their games.

Balotelli, who has played for both Milan clubs, has failed to live up to expectations on Merseyside. He’s scored just four goals in 28 appearances in a Liverpool shirt after being brought in to replace the departing Luis Suarez by former manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Italy international missed out on this summer’s European Championships after suffering another wayward season in front of goal, bagging just three goals and providing one assist in Serie A while on loan to AC Milan.

The Mirror claim that Palermo are another club interested in the Italian striker, but are unable to afford his £90,000-a-week wages.

The Mirror, citing Italian publication Mediaset, quoted the Palermo sporting director as saying: “We think that Palermo could be just the right place for him to relaunch his career.

“We would welcome him like a great champion, who with the talent he has got could get back into the national team.

“The only obstacle is his salary, but his desire could shift the balance in Palermo’s favour. We’re waiting for his decision."

In other Liverpool transfer news, the Reds have tabled a massive offer for this Brazilian star.

Mario Balotelli

Liverpool FC

Palermo

Nice