AC Milan will reportedly meet with Liverpool to negotiate a deal to keep Mario Balotelli at the club, either in a permanent move or a loan extension.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian giants are becoming increasingly likely to be convinced that the striker deserves to stay at the San Siro beyond his current loan deal.
While injury hampered his progress earlier in the season, Balotelli has become a starter for the Rossoneri in recent weeks, and although the goals have yet to arrive, his work-rate and commitment have been impressive as he evidently looks like a player trying to secure his future.
Balotelli will miss Monday’s clash with Hellas Verona due to suspension, but he will hope that he can make a bigger impression in the final two games of the Serie A campaign ahead of the Coppa Italia final against Juventus on May 21.
It remains to be seen whether Milan have to sign him outright or will be able to add another year onto his loan deal, as it has become apparent that the former Manchester City star won’t fit in under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
From a financial point of view it will be good business from Milan’s perspective having sold the Italian international for a substantial fee in 2014.
Having now been brought him back in a loan move and with the possibility of a cut-price deal available, Balotelli will likely have a chance to continue his journey with the Rossoneri as he looks to finally mature in the player that many expected him to become.
The signs in recent weeks are promising, but whether or not he maintains that attitude after he has secured a deal remains to be seen. Ultimately, that will determine whether or not he has finally learnt his lesson and is ready to make the most of the opportunity that he has been given.