Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Mario Balotelli and Joe Allen Rumours

Liverpool's fringe players are fighting for their Anfield futures under new manager Jurgen Klopp as reports emerged claiming Mario Balotelli may yet play a part in the new boss' plans, but Joe Allen's time at the club could be up.

The Daily Star Sunday's Paul Hetherington reported Klopp will meet with Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola, to find out whether the striker—on loan at AC Milan for the season—sees a future for himself in Liverpool colours.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

The Italian striker was sent back to his former club on a season-long deal in the summer before Brendan Rodgers was axed from the Anfield helm, but it's suggested Klopp may try his hand at working with the flamboyant forward.

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi recently proclaimed that Balotelli is a changed man compared to the bad boy of years gone by, telling Italian broadcaster Sky Sport (h/t Gianluca Di Marzio translator David Amoyal):

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Mihajlovic isn't in jeopardy. That wouldn't be Milan's style. Someone said that Bee's money is really my money? My lawyers prepared a press release: if someone can find some of my capital abroad I will donate ten times the sum to charity. I have 150 million more reasons to be disappointed than the fans because of the lack of results. Balotelli? When he's feeling better you'll see him on the pitch, you'll notice how he matured also from the personal stand point.

"

The 25-year-old has made just four appearances for the Rossoneri this season and is currently suffering from a sports hernia but was showing some promise in his first steps back at the San Siro.

Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri is of the impression Klopp would like to try his hand mentoring a player such as Balotelli, who endured a a torrid time in 2014-15, scoring one goal in 16 Premier League games for the Reds:

Liverpool may have some need for his talents at present too after summer arrival Danny Ings suffered a knee injury earlier in October that could keep him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Christian Benteke and Daniel Sturridge have also spent time on the sidelines this season, but the absence of a recall clause means Klopp will have to wait until the summer before having a chance to get to grips with Balotelli.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Outcast Allen may no longer be at the club at that point, however, after the Daily Star's Harry Pratt reported he's drawing interest from Southampton, Stoke City and Leicester City. 

Allen followed Rodgers to Anfield from former club Swansea City in 2012 but has struggled to make a dent on the Reds' starting XI in the three years since. Club journalist David Lynch confirmed his lack of squad prominence in the 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur:

The Wales international made just 16 Premier League starts last season and was withdrawn by Klopp at half-time in the 1-1 Europa League draw against Rubin Kazan on Thursday.

The German tactician is likely to give the player more time before deciding on his long-term future, but Allen may decide he has run his course on Merseyside and pursue more consistent first-team football elsewhere.

Paul White/Associated Press

The move could in fact be interpreted as an upgrade for the player, as while neither Southampton nor Leicester boast Liverpool's illustrious history, they both sit above the Reds in the Premier League table.

With Wales heading to Euro 2016 next summer, manager Chris Coleman will be eager to have all his assets fighting fit for the tournament, and a winter move away from Anfield work out as Allen's best option.