Tuesday 23 August 2016 17:41, UK
Italian international striker Mario Balotelli faces an uncertain future after Serie A side Sassuolo turned down the chance to sign the out-of-favour Liverpool man.
The 26-year-old appears to be regarded as surplus to requirements at Anfield, with manager Jurgen Klopp having instructed him to train with the club's U23 side.
Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola has been looking for alternative destinations but Sassuolo are not interested in the player.
The club's chief executive Giovanni Carnevali told an Italian TV station: "Raiola offered us Balotelli, but we refused."
Once regarded as one of the hottest properties in world football, Balotelli helped Manchester City to win the Premier League and FA Cup, and played a key role in Italy's run to the Euro 2012 final.
However, he has struggled to make an impact since Liverpool signed him in the summer of 2014 and spent last season on loan at former club AC Milan, managing just one Serie A goal.
