Sassuolo turn down move for Balotelli

Mario Balotelli’s hopes of securing a move away from Liverpool have been dealt a further blow, after Sassuolo opted against bringing the Italian to the club.

The striker has been seeking pastures new after being told that he is not part of Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp’s plans at Anfield this season, and is keen to bring his disappointing spell with the Premier League club to an end.

Arriving in an €18.5 million deal from AC Milan in 2014, Balotelli struggled to just a single goal in his debut campaign with the Reds, whilst a loan back at the Rossoneri last season proved to be equally unfruitful.

Liverpool are looking to cut their losses on the former Manchester City striker and have resorted to offering him to clubs around Europe, with Sassuolo the latest to be approached.

Although coach Eusebio Di Francesco is on the lookout for two new forwards to bolster his attack for a maiden Europa League campaign, the tactician had poured cold water on a move for Balotelli and instead will focus on other targets.

Sassuolo join Besiktas , Ajax , and fellow Serie A outfit Napoli in rejecting the opportunity to snap up the Inter youth team graduate, although Chievo remain an option.

The Gialloblu are hopeful of reaching an agreement with Liverpool, whilst 26-year-old Balotelli himself would be open to a move to the Stadio Bentegodi.