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Rumors over the weekend regarding Liverpool's interest in Mario Balotelli steadily picked up steam to the point that the club were apparently close to settling on a price with AC Milan; much of the talk was born out of Brendan Rodgers' pre-match comments about the striker's qualities, but SportMediaSet in Italy also seemed to think that Liverpool and Milan had agreed upon a €20m fee for the player.
That came as news to Rodgers, who was quizzed about Liverpool's pursuit of Balotelli after the club arrived in Miami ahead of Monday night's Champions Cup final against Manchester United. Those hoping to see the Italian in a Liverpool shirt won't be pleased.
"I think it was in the last press conference, I was asked a question on Mario Balotelli and I spoke about what a talent he is and what an excellent player he is. I think the next day, it was written as though we were signing him, which doesn't surprise me. I can categorically tell you, Mario Balotelli won't be at Liverpool. He's a wonderful player - an AC Milan player. He's at a great club. I just gave my perception on him as a player, so I don't think it should be transmitted into us signing the player."
No ambiguity in that, then--Liverpool's efforts to bring in another striker are surely ongoing, especially in the wake of a Daniel Sturridge injury scare, but those efforts won't be aimed at bringing Mario Balotelli in. Unless Bony was a smokescreen for Remy was a smokescreen for Balotelli is a smokescreen for Reus.
Then, by all means, bring Balotelli in.
