Klopp confirms Balotelli has no future at Liverpool

LONDON: Manager Juergen Klopp has told Mario Balotelli that with so much competition for places up front at Liverpool, he should look for another club.

Balotelli has returned for pre-season training following an unsuccessful loan spell at AC Milan but is well down the pecking order at Liverpool, who also have Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke, Divock Origi and Danny Ings on the books.

“I have spoken to him about this,” the manager told reporters.

“He’s not at the stage of his career where he should be battling with four or five other players for one or two positions. So it’s clear we need a solution.

“There will be a club around who would be happy to have the new Mario Balotelli. I have spoken clearly to the player about that.”

Sampdoria have expressed their interest in the player, with president Massimo Ferrero saying they would be the perfect club for him to revive his career after scoring just three goals in 23 appearances for Milan last season.