Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Domenico Berardi, Mario Balotelli Rumours

Liverpool will reportedly face even more competition in the hunt for Sassuolo forward Domenico Berardi, as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are also eyeing the 21-year-old Italian.

That's according to transfermarketweb (h/t Daily Star's Alex Wood), who believes the left-footed speedster could even be a replacement for Thomas Muller should he decide to leave the Bavarians at some point in the future.

Sassuolo obtained the full rights to Berardi during the summer, as the youngster was previously co-owned with Italian champions Juventus. The Bianconeri retain a buy-back clause, however, and he's widely expected to move to Turin in the summer.

Simone Seghedoni, Berardi's agent, previously ruled out a move in January and dropped a massive hint his client will in fact be joining Juventus. Speaking to Calciomercato (h/t Football Italia), he said:

"

Juventus have a verbal agreement with Sassuolo for June.

That’s still a long way away though, and we’re not thinking about it at the moment. Domenico will not go to Juventus in January, I can categorically rule out leaving in the next transfer window.

He will not move until June, in line with a program devised along with the club. Domenico is only thinking about continuing his growth with Sassuolo and Coach [Eusebio] Di Francesco.

"

While Berardi seems set to join Juventus on paper, nothing is certain. The Old Lady's clause won't come into effect until the summer, and interested clubs are free to make Sassuolo an offer in January.

The player himself has also declined a move to Juventus in the past, per ESPN FC's David Amoyal:

Berardi is already one of the top forwards in Italy, combining tremendous pace and vision with the uncanny ability to score from all angles. According to Squawka's Dave, no player under the age of 23 has contributed to more goals in the last three seasons in any of Europe's top leagues.

His raw speed and constant movement make him a dream fit for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's counter-attacking philosophy, and the fact he's versatile enough to play out wide or in a central role makes him even more of a dream signing.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Bayern Munich signed Kingsley Coman on loan from Juventus last summer and immediately found a role for the young Frenchman, who doesn't look all that different from Berardi on the pitch. In all likelihood, they would be able to integrate Berardi rather quickly as well.

Juventus remain the clear favourites for his signature, however, and as things stand, Berardi should be playing in white and black next season.

Mario Balotelli's Agent Talks Real Madrid Move

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Mario Balotelli's loan spell with AC Milan may not be playing out as the Italian had hoped, but according to his agent, the 25-year-old is already dreaming of his next move―to La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Mino Raiola, who represents the Italy international, told Marca Plus (h/t Daily Star's Chisanga Malata) every great player dreams of playing for Los Blancos: “Mario isn’t like people paint him out to be. He is a nice guy and a good player. His dream is to play for Real Madrid. Every great player dreams of playing for Real, it is almost logical. Who would not? Let us hope that one day he can achieve his dream.”

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Balotelli endured a horror season with Liverpool in 2014-15, scoring just a single Premier League goal, per WhoScored.com. He arrived at Anfield amid much fanfare but quickly became a target of the fans, and it was hardly a surprise to see him leave the club again during the summer.

He moved back to Milan, where he had his greatest success in the past, but an injury has slowed down his attempts to rediscover his old form.

Balotelli seems unlikely to return to Liverpool, even with Klopp now in charge at Anfield, but the Reds would love to see him return to his best with Milan, boosting his transfer value in the process. A move to the Spanish capital seems unlikely at best, but Milan or another club of similar stature may be willing to take another gamble on the talented but inconsistent Balotelli.

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