Liverpool Transfer News: Mario Balotelli Agent Tells Reds to Change, Top Rumours

Liverpool need to stop expecting Mario Balotelli to be Luis Suarez. That's the view of the former's agent, Mino Raiola.

He told Sky Sports News HQ (h/t MailOnline writer Elliott Bretland) the Reds need to adapt to accommodate Balotelli's style but also insisted his client doesn't want to leave Anfield:

"

They are different players. Liverpool knew that and people need to know he is not Suarez. Mario needs to adapt and Liverpool need to adapt.

We didn't ask to leave. It is too early, with the injury, to say we leave in January. There are no big problems. He's adapting to a new style that the manager wants. We'll see in the summer.

"

Things certainly haven't gone well for Balotelli since he arrived on Merseyside last summer. Decorated ex-Liverpool defender Phil Thompson even suggested his former club will consider parting ways with Balotelli this month, during an appearance on The Morning View (h/t Sky Sports).

B/R's Matt Ladson recently gave his take on Balotelli's future at Liverpool:

Balotelli's problems could well stem from Liverpool expecting something different. Back in December, manager Brendan Rodgers was critical of the Italy international's technical competence, per MailOnline reporter Ian Ladyman.

Technique was never something lacking from Suarez's game. He was at once prolific in front of goal, as well as a prodigious creator.

His flair and trickery suited the expansive game Rodgers favours. But as Raiola noted, Balotelli is not Suarez.

Instead, he's a quick, powerful centre-forward more in the mold of a traditional No. 9. As that type of player, he may never find a role in Rodgers' fluid tactics.

If the Anfield gaffer wants a more technically adept forward, he'll continue his pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette. That pursuit appears to have the hit the skids after the Lyon star succumbed to an injury.

French football journalist Jonathan Johnson provided confirmation of the injury:

He also offered a relatively bleak view about the extent of the ailment:

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

This is depressing news for a rapidly improving star. Lacazette has bagged a very impressive 25 goals in all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com. Five assists also serve as proof of the gifted No. 10's potential as a provider.

Lacazette is exactly the kind of versatile, roaming forward this team's stuttering attack needs. Daily Star reporter Colin Harvey suggests the injury is a blow to both the Reds and Arsenal; Lacazette's two most ardent suitors.

But it's not just up front where Rodgers could encounter problems within his squad. Veteran midfield anchor man Lucas Leiva has apparently been harbouring thoughts of leaving.

That's according to MailOnline reporter Dominic King. However, he also states Lucas remains focused on Liverpool's season. At least for the moment:

"

I just have to focus on what I can control and see what happens. I would be lying if I said I never thought about something new but I can’t tell you what is going to happen. I just focus on the day and leave the future to take care of itself.

"

Despite often flattering to deceive during his Anfield stay, Lucas remains an important figure in the Liverpool midfield.

The 28-year-old Brazilian is one of the few truly defensive-minded midfielders at Rodgers' disposal. He can provide balance in a holding role behind the Reds' plethora of forward-thinking playmakers such as Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho.

Rodgers still needs the player who has been linked with Serie A side Napoli this season, per Daily Star reporter Rhys Turrell.

However, the Liverpool manager will be more concerned with developments up front. He hasn't been able to get Balotelli or fellow summer recruit Rickie Lambert firing since selling Suarez.

Their struggles have only compounded the injury-enforced absence of Daniel Sturridge. In this context, news of Lacazette's injury rates as a major blow.