Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Mario Balotelli, Lucas Leiva Rumours

Mario Balotelli's future could reportedly still lie away from Liverpool this season, despite one Italian club recently denying any interest in the striker.

The club in question is Sassuolo, and chief executive Giovanni Carnevali made it clear that signing Balotelli is not on his agenda during an interview with Rai Sport's Zona 11 pm show (h/t Football Italia): "[Balotelli's agent] Mino Raiola offered us Balotelli, but we refused."

Raiola has been tasked with finding the forward a new club after it became clear the attacker doesn't figure in the plans of Reds manager Jurgen Klopp. Naturally, it's proving a tough task, given how Balotelli's already troubled career has gone downhill since he moved to Anfield in 2014.

OLIVIER MORIN/Getty Images

Yet it's still possible Liverpool will be able to move the 26-year-old on during the remainder of this summer's transfer window. Italian source Sport Mediaset (h/t Joe Short of the Daily Express) has reported how the player is close to a deal with Bologna.

Dumping Balotelli is a key part of Liverpool's transfer plans. It just hasn't worked out for the temperamental striker on Merseyside, despite his core skills as a classic No. 9.

That's a position Klopp may want to focus on, since Daniel Sturridge is constantly a victim of fitness woes. Belgian powerhouse Divock Origi still isn't trusted every game, either.

Balotelli has the pace, power and aerial prowess to be the focal point for Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Klopp's platoon of attacking-midfield playmakers. However, he has consistently shown an unwillingness to apply himself and make good on his talent.

So Klopp's attempts to answer striker issues can't involve the want-away Italy international.

Lucas Leiva to Stay

One player who is adamant he won't be leaving Liverpool is Brazilian holding midfielder Lucas Leiva. News of Klopp's preference for the player was reported by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

"

The Reds boss is keen to retain Lucas’ services. Klopp blocked a potential transfer to Galatasaray for the Brazilian midfielder earlier this month after insisting he needed him to stay put.

Unless Lucas pushes for a move prior to next week’s deadline then he will remain at Anfield for the final year of his existing contract.

"

Yet the reporter's choice of words appears to have angered Lucas. The player took to social media to blast the article, per Metro's Coral Barry.

Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Specifically, Lucas seems to be perturbed by the apparent suggestion he would "push" for a move away, although it's not clear that Pearce was suggesting he actually would.

Either way, Liverpool will be keeping a player whose experience can be vital at the base of midfield and in front of a sometimes suspect back four. The Reds have conceded five goals in two Premier League matches so far this season, with Jordan Henderson usually operating deepest in the middle.

Lucas isn't the most technically adroit player but is never shy about making a tackle and boasts good positional sense. Klopp would be wise to not only keep the 29-year-old around but also start him a little more often.

The Liverpool manager is still at the stage of the summer window where he needs to put one or two finishing touches on his squad. It's a process likely to focus more on players leaving than arriving at Anfield during the next week.