Liverpool is nearing completion on a £16 million deal with A.C. Milan for Mario Balotelli.

Liverpool offered to sign the 24-year-old on loan on Wednesday but a combination of an exorbitant loan fee and Milan’s refusal to take the striker back should he cause problems for Brendan Rodgers ended that possibility.

Balotelli is quoted as having told Sky Italia: “Today is my last day at Milan”, while Milan’s website reported: “Mario Balotelli left Milanello’s sporting centre at 13.30 (local time), after saying goodbye to his team-mates. Before leaving the premises, the striker has said goodbye to members of Milan’s press office.”

Milan are keen to offload Balotelli for a fee of around £20 million, although Liverpool believe they can clinch the deal for less after further contact with the vice-president, Adriano Galliani.