Mario Balotelli has turned down a move to Dubai-based Al Ahli, who have signed Benfica’s Brazilian striker Lima instead.
The news was confirmed by Al Ahli’s coach, who explained: “We thought about Balotelli and we even had a discussion with his agent Mino Raiola.
“But Balotelli turned down our proposal because he wants to play for another.”
The Italian is currently training separately from the Liverpool first-team, along with Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique, in a clear indication of the club’s desire for him to leave 12 months after they signed him for £16 million from AC Milan.
A host of Italian sides have been linked with a move for the Italian, including Sampdoria, Fiorentina and Bologna.
Last month, Sampdoria’s president claimed Liverpool were asking £7 million for the forward.
Analysis from ESPN found Balotelli to be the third worst finisher in the Premier League last season, with a conversion rate of 2.78%.
With three weeks remaining of the transfer window, it looks inevitable that Liverpool will end up loaning out Balotelli late in the window, and paying much of his reported £100,000 per week wages.
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