Liverpool Transfer News: Mario Balotelli's Reds Career 'Over,' Latest Rumours

Mario Balotelli is now seventh-choice striker at Liverpool, which is an indication his Reds "career is over," according to David Maddock of the Mirror.

Boss Brendan Rodgers will give youngsters Jerome Sinclair and Sheyi Ojo playing time over Balotelli in the Capital One Cup and Europa League when possible, according to Maddock, who reported the Italian won't feature in either of Liverpool's squads for pre-season friendlies against HJK Helsinki and Swindon Town over the weekend.

The Daily Mail's Dominic King indicated Balotelli has been made to train away from the first-team squad with Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique, three players who are surplus to requirements in the constantly evolving Liverpool lineup.

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Maddock suggested Lazio have opened "tentative talks" to rescue Balotelli, while Fiorentina, Bologna and Galatasaray are also interested in his services. However, Liverpool are yet to receive "any formal enquiries," according to King.

Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero dismissed his chances of signing the player, reported by David Amoyal, translator for GianlucaDiMarzio.com:

"Will (Antonio) Cassano and Balotelli be the miracles on the transfer market? You can forget about Balotelli because it costs 10 million in salary and with 10 million I can get eight Balotelli. Have I met him? I saw him two or three times but in a picture. Cassano? We'll see."

Balotelli failed to net more than one goal in any competition last season. He frustrated Liverpool's style through his stationary play and willingness to pound the ball at goal when better options were open.

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He can no longer be considered a young player who has the potential to be a star. Instead, Balotelli is heading toward a peak that is constantly shortening. For someone so powerful, his lack of physical impact on the game is astounding. He could bully defenders into submission—much like Rodgers will hope new signing Christian Benteke does—but we've sadly not seen this over the years.

A £16 million experiment gone wrong isn't too harmful for Rodgers, who has added seven stars to his squad this summer. Benteke, James Milner, Danny Ings, Roberto Firmino, Adam Bogdan, Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez provide depth and plenty of unique qualities for the team.

Rodgers has made a £15 million attempt to sign Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev, according to the Sun (h/t Alex Harris of the Daily Star). Harris' report suggested new Los Blancos coach Rafa Benitez will have the final call on the Russian's future. "I don't know where I'll be next season," admitted Cheryshev, per Harris.

Liverpool are well-stocked to launch a challenge on the Champions League places next term, a minimum achievement after last season's sixth-placed finish. B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently discussed what the final month of the transfer window could hold for the Reds:

Balotelli's tenure with Liverpool has appeared over for quite some time, so supporters aren't likely to be too shocked by the suggestion he won't appear in front of the Kop next season. It seems we can add another chapter of unfulfilled potential to his storyline, which is already crammed with missed opportunities.

Rodgers took a chance and it didn't pay off, but it's now time to move on as Liverpool look to secure a European place once more.