Liverpool reject Mario Balotelli could be handed a way out of the club, with Serie A side Sampordia hunting for the his signature.
The controversial forward was back at Melwood this week, reporting for pre-season training after a failed loan spell at AC Milan. Despite Balotelli suggesting his future is with the Merseyside club - it's unlikely Jurgen Klopp will want anything to do with him.
Drafted in as a desperate last-minute replacement for the outgoing Luis Suarez for a modest £16 million, it's fair to say it really hasn't worked out for the Italian.
He made just 16 appearances for Liverpool, finding the net on just one occasion. It was quite clear his style of play didn't suit the then Reds' manager Brendan Rodger's free-flowing attacking football - he returned to Milan last Summer.
But it didn't get any better in Milan, scoring just 1 goal in his 20 appearances. However, it seems that Serie A minnows, Sampdoria are more than willing to give the maverick striker one more chance - despite Balotelli subbing the same side last summer.
Speaking to Il Corriere dello Sport, Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero suggested that the club will pursue the Italian again this summer.
Balotelli is Balotelli’s worst enemy.
Like (Antonio) Cassano is Cassano’s worst enemy. He’s a great player whose been stuck back in the 1960s.
He could relaunch [his career] at a passionate club like ours, but he’s still a bit confused. I’ve tried to tell him to come to Samp because he’s a great talent.
However, with Balotelli claiming just this week that he still want to win the Ballon d'Or, it's unlikely he will take up Ferrero's offer and return to Italy.
But when you look at the options Liverpool already have at the club, and with Benteke's imminent departure - you have to wonder how the hell would Balotelli fit in to Klopp's Liverpool side?
