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Liverpool FC Summer Clearout List: Balotelli Among Those Expected To Depart
Topic Started: May 27 2015, 05:55 PM (266 Views)
Webster
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MatchDay Commentator

...well, it would seem that the Balotelli Experiment is coming to an end...

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(Liverpool Echo) Liverpool FC will off-load Mario Balotelli as they embark on a clearout this summer.

Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert are also expected to leave Anfield as the Reds overhaul their attacking options after a disastrous season which was undermined by a lack of goals.

Reinforcements are on the way with £10million Belgium international Divock Origi arriving following his season-long loan at Lille and Danny Ings is set to join from Burnley when his contract expires at the end of June. Ings’ fee is likely to be set by a tribunal and will be around the £3million to £5million mark,

Liverpool are also in the market for a more experienced and proven marksman with Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke under consideration as they prepare for the fact that Daniel Sturridge will miss the start of next season after surgery on his hip. Benteke, who has scored 15 goals this term, would cost the Reds around £20million.

Balotelli will pay the price for his meagre contribution following his £16million move from AC Milan last summer. The controversial Italian frontman scored just four goals in 28 appearances and didn’t even make the bench for the last four matches of the campaign.

Manager Brendan Rodgers publicly criticised the 24-year-old’s work rate and Liverpool are ready to cut their losses and show Balotelli the door.

The most likely outcome is a return to his homeland with Sampdoria having already confirmed their interest in signing him. Anfield officials are resigned to the fact that they will have to take a hit financially with his value having plummeted over the past nine months.

Borini has no future at the club and Liverpool will hope there is no repeat of last summer when he ignored Rodgers’ advice to move on.

Having snubbed offers from both Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers, Borini insisted on staying put but went on to start just three league games all season. The £10.5million signing from Roma in 2012 still has two years remaining on his current contract.

Lambert, who has been linked with Premier League new boys Bournemouth, is expected to depart in search of regular first-team football after finding his opportunities limited at his boyhood club.

The Reds hope to bolster their midfield by securing the services of Manchester City’s James Milner, who will be a free agent this summer. Rodgers believes his wealth of experience would help a squad in desperate need of more leaders.

Liverpool are pressing ahead with their recruitment plans despite the speculation over Rodgers’ future. The owners insist there are no plans to sack Rodgers but during the end of season review, which will be conducted by Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon, the manager will need to convince them that he can put things right.

As well as captain Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Brad Jones are also out of contract and won’t be returning to the club in pre-season.

Iago Aspas is joining Sevilla on a permanent deal and Liverpool will look to find a club for Luis Alberto after his loan spell with Malaga. Sebastian Coates and Jose Enrique are also surplus to requirements and set to be sold.

The Reds remain adamant that Raheem Sterling won’t be granted the move he has demanded with Man City waiting to pounce. However, that saga looks set to drag on with Sterling having made it clear that he won’t sign a new contract.
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