Liverpool stuck with Mario Balotelli as AC Milan could reject chance to sign him permanently

Liverpool's chances of offloading striker Mario Balotelli have taken a hit as AC Milan, with whom he is currently on a season-long loan deal, are unlikely to sign him on a permanent basis at the end of the season after he was booed by the club's fans during their 1-1 draw against Lazio on Sunday (20 March).

According to the Liverpool Echo, Jurgen Klopp is desperate to rid the club of the controversial striker before the start of next season and it looked likely that his former club would sign him on a permanent deal. But his performances have failed to meet expectations and he has scored just one goal in 14 league appearances thus far this campaign, and only three from the start.

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi had indicated that they are open to signing him from the Merseyside club this summer, but the report claims that the Italian giants are unlikely to make his deal permanent in the summer following the supporters' reaction to his arrival 16 minutes from time. The Serie A club's chief had made it clear that his performances for the club until the end of the current campaign will dictate their willingness to spend the money to re-sign him in the summer.

The former Manchester City forward joined Liverpool in 2014 but failed to settle down at Anfield under former manager Brendan Rodgers scoring just one goal in 16 Premier League appearances during the 2014/15 campaign. The Reds are keen to offload him at the earliest and will hope to recoup most of the £16m ($23m) they paid for him.

A move to the Chinese Super League has been touted for the Italian international, who was once highly-rated across Europe. The report claims that there have been enquiries from clubs in the Far East, while Turkish clubs are also said to be interested in signing the striker.