Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli turns to Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho for advice

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly offered career advice to out-of-favour Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli. The duo worked together at Inter Milan, and although Mourinho subsequently said the Italian was "unmanageable", the Portuguese has been happy to offer his wisdom to Balotelli.

The 26-year-old striker is set to leave Liverpool this summer and Balotelli has turned to his former manager as he prepares to exit Anfield. Balotelli has been linked with numerous clubs in recent weeks, but has not yet sealed a move away from Liverpool.

Balotelli and the United boss held an informal meeting over the last few days, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato. The Premier League-winning boss – who joined United in the summer – is said to have told the controversial Liverpool star he must improve his attitude in order to realise his potential as a player.

Balotelli has already played for some of Europe's biggest clubs during his career, including Inter, Manchester City, AC Milan and Liverpool, but he has been blighted by on and off-field controversies. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has previously admitted he is keen to offload the player before the transfer window slams shut.

Balotelli returned to pre-season training with Liverpool earlier summer and while Klopp has been impressed by his quality, the Reds boss admitted he does not have a future at the club. "We want Mario to become the player he was before his injury. The talent is still there – no doubt about it," Klopp said, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.

"When we have done the crossing, heading and stuff [in training], he's been world class. But this is not a situation where he should be battling with other players like this for one position so it's clear we need a solution. There will be a club around who would be happy to have a new Mario Balotelli if you like."