Liverpool could be stuck with major flop after Italian side rule out Serie A return

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Liverpool may be stuck with Mario Balotelli after Sampdoria ruled out a move for the Reds flop, reports the Daily Mirror.

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The 24-year-old struggled to make an impact in his debut season at Anfield last time round, scoring just four goals in 28 appearances. This was a major problem for manager Brendan Rodgers, who needed the Italian to perform after the team had lost Luis Suarez to Barcelona the summer before.

Injuries to Daniel Sturridge and the poor form of Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini left the Northern Irishman short-handed up front.

Perhaps it is this form that has led to Sampdoria boss Walter Zenga ruling out a move for the striker, as well as the similarly mercurial Antonio Cassano who has just been let go by Parma during their financial troubles.

“Cassano and Balotelli are players of extraordinary talent,” he said, “but no, we won’t be signing them.”

This will be a major blow to the Merseyside club, with the Daily Mail identifying Balotelli as one of the players set to leave the club as part of a major summer clear-out.

Other players the Anfield outfit are attempting to offload include Lucas Leiva, Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini, Luis Alberto, and Jose Enrique. This fire-sale could be to make back the money they have spent on bringing in James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan, and Joe Gomez. Nathaniel Clyne is also expected to join for £12.5 million this week as well, reported the Daily Mail.

All of these additions mean that the club will surely need to sell players, especially in the age of Financial Fair Play.

One major departure could be Raheem Sterling, who will be the subject of a £50 million bid from Manchester City according to ESPN.

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