Liverpool eye Mario Balotelli replacement; planning transfer swoop for Germany international

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Liverpool are interested in signing Fiorentina star Mario Gomez as a replacement for the departing Mario Balotelli, reports the Daily Express.

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Sampdoria are apparently willing to take Balotelli from the Reds, despite him disappointing in his debut season at Anfield. The 24-year-old scored a paltry four goals in 28 appearances as he failed to live up to the £16 million fee that Brendan Rodgers spent to buy him. Newcastle United have also been linked, by The Guardian, and so it is looking increasingly likely that the player will be leaving.

In response to this, the Northern Irishman has taken an interest in Gomez, who has similarly been below par in Serie A. The 29-year-old netted ten times in 32 games during the last campaign, and has regularly suffered with injuries during his time with La Viola. A change of scenery could be just what the former Bayern Munich ace needs, and a move to the Premier League could be that.

With the experience of winning a treble while at the Allianz Arena, Gomez could bring experience to a side which has just lost its captain in Steven Gerrard. The Germany international also has 25 goals in 60 caps for his country, showing that he definitely has the ability to compete at the highest level.

The Merseyside outfit are in need of a new striker not only because of Balotelli potentially leaving, but also as their entire current crop failed to make up for the departure of Luis Suarez last season. Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini didn’t trouble goalkeepers too often, while Daniel Sturridge struggled with injuries throughout the campaign.

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