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Liverpool's Mario Balotelli has emerged as an unlikely transfer target for Italian third-tier outfit Lupa Castelli, who believe they can help resurrect the striker's career.
Balotelli struggled in his first season at Anfield following his £16million move to the club from AC Milan last summer as the Italy international scored just four goals in all competitions - including once in the Premier League.
Brendan Rodgers subsequently omitted the forward from Liverpool's pre-season tour of Thailand, Australia and Malaysia, with the 24-year-old staying behind to continue working on his form and fitness at Melwood.
Balotelli now faces increased competition for a starting berth next season following the arrivals of Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino, Danny Ings and Divock Origi to the club.
But Lupa Castelli honorary president Marco Amelia believes his side can offer Balotelli the chance to prove his abilities away from the limelight.
"Our intention is to bring our friend, Balotelli, here - a player who at this time needs to start afresh because we see that he does not want to play anymore, has fans opposing him and is no longer able to show his quality," he told Sky Sport Italia.
"For Balotelli, this could be the first step towards cleaning up his act, taking two steps back and showing everyone what he is capable of doing.
"I’ll try to call Mario Balotelli. On an economic point of view, we’ll see what happens. I think that at this time Mario needs to find the will he needs to compete.
Christian Benteke joins Liverpool
"It will be tough, it will be almost impossible as it is something that football has never seen, but he could do it."
