Lazio are considering taking Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli on a loan deal until the end of the season, but want the Reds to subsidise the Italian's wage packet.
Since his £16m to Liverpool from AC Milan last summer, the Italian international has failed to make his mark at Anfield.
Balotelli has been a source of constant frustration for the club, both on and off the field, and has so far failed to hit the back of the net in the league.
Brendan Rodgers is believed to have lost faith in the striker and the 24-year-old last started a league game for the club in November. He was nowhere to be seen for last night's League Cup semi-final against Chelsea, with the official line being illness kept him out of action.
Liverpool are believed to be desperate to offload the striker this month, but have failed to find a buyer for a player who has only scored twice this season.
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According to Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset, Lazio are willing to take Balotelli back to Italy on a loan deal until the end of the season.
However, they will only agree to a deal if Liverpool consent to paying a third of Balotelli’s salary, which amounts to €1m per season.
Though the Reds are ready to offload the striker, it remains to be seen whether they agree to such an arrangement.
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