LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 13, 2014: Liverpool's Mario Balotelli in action against Aston Villa during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Mario Balotelli receptive to Chievo move, but wages proving an issue

Out-of-favour Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has indicated he is willing to join Serie A side Chievo, but they may struggle to afford him.

Balotelli is desperately searching for a new club this summer, after finding himself firmly out of Jurgen Klopp‘s plans for 2016/17.

The Italian did not feature in any of Liverpool’s nine warmup fixtures during pre-season, and is behind a host of attacking talents in the German’s pecking order up front.

The likes of Besiktas, Sampdoria and Crotone have all been linked with a move for the former Manchester City star, but a deal is yet to materialise.

This could change in the final weeks of the transfer window, with Chievo president Luca Campedelli admitting his interest in bringing Balotelli to Verona.

Furthermore, Balotelli has reportedly expressed a desire to join up with the Italian outfit, who finished 9th in Serie A last season.

However, addressing a possible move to sign the 25-year-old, Campedelli explained how Chievo’s limited finances could scupper any deal.

“Dreaming doesn’t cost anything. At the moment, it does remain a dream because we know that it would be very difficult to pull off such a move,” he said.

“We must take into account the obvious difficulties in economic terms, but it is something we are looking at.

“However, when you are coming up against the big clubs, then Chievo certainly can’t compete at that level.”

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)

This is no doubt referring to Balotelli’s £90,000-a-week wage, with Liverpool likely willing to sanction his departure for a nominal fee, due to a lack of serious interest ahead of 2016/17.

The Reds subsidised Balotelli’s wages throughout his time with Milan last season, and could face a similar situation this summer.

However, previous reports had suggested Balotelli was willing to take a wage cut to join Eredivisie challengers Ajax, though their likely participation in this season’s Champions League could be a factor.

If Balotelli is seeking to get his career back on track this season, a drop in weekly earnings would be advised.

Otherwise, he could face at least six months in obscurity on Merseyside, hoping to turn out for Michael Beale’s U23s side—though he would have no guarantee of regular football there either.



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