Serie A newcomers Crotone line up ambitious move for “top player” Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli could be offered a route out of Liverpool this summer by newly promoted Serie A side Crotone.

Crotone finished second in Serie B in 2015/16, securing promotion to the Italian top flight alongside Cagliari, and their preparations have already begun for the next season.

Largely relying on loan signings for big clubs in the past, Crotone welcomed players from Roma, Juventus, Inter Milan and Fiorentina, but for their first ever season in Serie A, they are looking to sign a marquee name.

This could be Balotelli, with Crotone president Raffaele Vrenna telling Sky Sports Italia this week that he wants to bring a “top player” to the club.

“Will we bring a top player to Crotone? We have a good reputation for revitalising the careers of players having a difficult time,” he said.

“In that case, why not go for Balotelli?”

Balotelli is highly unlikely to return to Jurgen Klopp‘s first-team squad next season, with a lack of European competition requiring a thinner squad than 2015/16.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 25, 2014: Liverpool's Mario Balotelli looks dejected as his side draw 0-0 with Hull City during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The 25-year-old would find himself competing with Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino, Danny Ings and possibly Christian Benteke for a place in Klopp’s attacking line.

Whether he would opt for a move to Crotone is questionable, but with AC Milan not totally convinced with the striker after spending the season on loan at the San Siro, he may need a change of scenery.

Balotelli has scored just three goals in 22 appearances this season, with his last chance to impress coming in the final of the Coppa Italia against Juventus on Saturday night.

Along with Crotone, Balotelli may have offers from the Chinese Super League, and having squandered opportunities at bigger clubs, he may need to lower his sights this summer.

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