Andre Pirlo backs Liverpool's Mario Balotelli to prove his potential

Andrea Pirlo (left) and Mario Balotelli on Italy duty

Andrea Pirlo thinks Mario Balotelli can still be one of the "top forwards in Europe" despite his struggles at Liverpool.

The 24-year-old scored just four goals in 28 appearances for Liverpool last season after joining for £16m from AC Milan.

He is expected to leave Anfield this summer after being left out of the pre-season tour to Finland and attracting interest from Serie A.

However, Pirlo, who has played alongside Balotelli at international level for Italy, still thinks he has the potential to reach the top.

"He made mistakes when he was younger, he knows this," Pirlo told shortlist.com. "But I hope next season goes well for him, because I still believe he has all the attributes to be one of the top forwards in Europe.

"I’ll tell you that Mario is one of the nicest guys you will meet. I used to walk into training in Italy and even before he said something I could just look at his face and I would start laughing. There are never boring moments when Mario is around."

While Balotelli looks to be on the move this summer, Pirlo has already completed his transfer from Juventus to New York City.

It is the first time the 36-year-old has played for a club outside of Italy, although he did come close to moving to the Premier League in the past.

"Occasionally you meet somebody in life who is not your father, but you look at them as a father, and Carlo (Ancelotti) was that man for me," he explained.

"When he was at Chelsea we had many calls about me joining him. I was interested, and there were discussions in the club. The fee was the ultimate issue, though – Milan wanted a Chelsea player in exchange and no agreement could be reached."

The World Cup winner will now be playing alongside former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard in the Big Apple and against LA Galaxy's Steven Gerrard, who he could have played with at Milan.

"Carlo tried to sign him for Milan so we could play together, but he had no interest in leaving Liverpool," revealed Pirlo.

"That night in Istanbul, Liverpool’s fight back was centralised on Steven Gerrard. He was their leader, their star player, their man who made it happen. 

"We could have played together, but now in MLS we will be playing against each other, and I will look forward to that.

"Throughout his career, Frank has positioned himself as one of the greatest goal-scoring midfield players of the generation. Often his tally for the season would be what you would expect from a forward. I am sure we can come to some agreement on set pieces."

While Pirlo was full of praise for Gerrard and Lampard, he also singled out Paul Scholes for his technical ability.

"Paul Scholes was technically one of the best I have seen – not just one of the best Englishmen, but quite simply just one of the best," he said.

"There was a point when England had Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerrard, and that was the stage when you looked at England and thought they could really win something."

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Rickie Lambert set to make transfer to West Brom from Liverpool

Rickie Lambert: On his way to West Brom

Rickie Lambert will undergo a medical at West Brom on Friday after a deal was agreed to sign the former England striker from Liverpool.

Lambert struggled to make an impact at Anfield following his arrival last summer and has been deemed surplus to requirements following the arrivals of Christian Benteke, Danny Ings and Roberto Firminho.

The former Southampton striker will undergo his medical with the Baggies on Friday and provided he passes, he will join the club later the same day.

Baggies boss Tony Pulis completed the signing of James Chester from Hull City on Wednesday and is hopeful of following up that business with the capture of Lambert.

On Thursday Pulis told the Birmingham Mail: "Rickie is available. Liverpool have made that known. We'd be interested.

"It's very important that we get players who will score goals. Rickie's got a great goal-scoring record.

"From what I can gather from people at Liverpool, his fitness levels are very, very good, and he is desperate to play football.

"He didn't play last year so it's like bringing a brand new car out of the garage if we did sign him. Just putting a bit of petrol in it and letting it run."

Lambert had just two Premier League goals to his name from 25 games for Liverpool last season, 18 of those off the substitutes' bench.

But the 33-year-old was more prolific at previous club Southampton where he totalled 106 goals from 207 league appearances from August 2009 until June 2014.

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Sky Sports live fixtures: Huge Premier League derbies added

Chelsea: Premier League champions televised five more times

The televised Premier League fixtures for October and November have been announced, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham all on five times.

Sky Sports have announced 22 further televised fixtures, taking their total to 46 in the opening four months of the season.

Every club will have been televised at least twice and last season’s top four sides six or more times each before the end of November.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham will all be shown three times by Sky Sports over October and November alone.

Bt Sport, meanwhile, have announced six more televised fixtures, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham all set to be shown twice in October and November by the broadcaster.

October

Sat 3: Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion (BT Sport, 12.45pm)

Sat 3: Chelsea v Southampton (5.30pm)

Sun 4: Everton v Liverpool (1.30pm)

Sun 4: Arsenal v Manchester United (4pm)

Sat 17: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool (BT Sport, 12.45pm)

Sat 17: Watford v Arsenal (5.30pm)

Sun 18: Newcastle United v Norwich City (4pm)

Mon 19: Swansea City v Stoke City (8pm)

Sat 24: Arsenal v Everton (5.30pm)

Sun 25: Sunderland v Newcastle United (12noon)

Sun 25: Manchester United v Manchester City (2.05pm)

Sun 25: Liverpool v Southampton (4.15pm)

Sat 31: Chelsea v Liverpool (BT Sport, 12.45pm)

November

Sun 1: Everton v Sunderland (1.30pm)

Sun 1: Southampton v Bournemouth (4pm)

Mon 2: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa (8pm)

Sat 7: Bournemouth v Newcastle United (BT Sport, 12.45pm)

Sat 7: Stoke City v Chelsea (5.30pm)

Sun 8: Aston Villa v Manchester City (1.30pm)

Sun 8: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur (4pm)

Sat 21: Watford v Manchester United (BT Sport, 12.45pm)

Sat 21: Manchester City v Liverpool (5.30pm)

Sun 22: Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United (4pm)

Mon 23: Crystal Palace v Sunderland (8pm)

Sat 28: Leicester City v Manchester United (5.30pm)

Sun 29: Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea (BT Sport, 12pm)

Sun 29: West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion (2.05pm)

Sun 29: Norwich City v Arsenal (4.15pm)

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Gossip: Liverpool trio cut adrift by Rodgers

Mario Balotelli: Told he has no future at Liverpool

Mario Balotelli frozen out by Liverpool, a £10m striker set for West Ham and Angel Di Maria set for PSG are Friday's main newspaper rumours.

DI MARIA MOVE FINALLY DUE

The newspapers are in agreement that Angel Di Maria will finally complete his move to Paris Saint-Germain this weekend, with Manchester United set to sign Barcelona's Pedro as his replacement.

Di Maria has long been expected to move to Paris and did not appear on United's US tour - he will be fined two weeks' wages, £360,000, as a result, according to the Daily Express and Daily Star - but PSG initially offered to pay only £28.5million for the Argentina winger, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Now, however, the newspaper says the French champions have agreed to pay 'in the region of £45million' for the 27-year-old. The Guardian (£40m), Times (£44.1m), Daily Mail and Daily Express (£44m) all quote slightly different figures, but what does appear certain is that United are poised to cut their losses on a player they bought for a British record £59.7million last summer.

The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and Daily Star all report that Louis van Gaal will quickly replace the 27-year-old with Pedro, who has 'already told close friends he is preparing to move to Old Trafford', according to the first of those newspapers.

BALOTELLI FROZEN OUT BY LIVERPOOL

Mario Balotelli has been told he has no future with Liverpool, according to The Independent, and is training away from the first team with Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique, who Brendan Rodgers is also looking to offload this summer.

Balotelli has not been included in Liverpool's squad for either of their friendlies this weekend against HJK Helsinki and Swindon Town, and Rodgers is said to have told the Italian he does not want him around the first team.

The Merseyside club apparently want £10million for a player they paid £16million for last summer, with The Times claiming Lazio have joined Sampdoria and Bologna in expressing an interest in the 24-year-old.

The Independent, meanwhile, adds that there is currently no major interest in Enrique and that Liverpool have had no official approach from West Ham for Borini.

JIMENEZ SET FOR WEST HAM

Rather than Borini, the Hammers are on the verge of signing Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez for £10million, according to The Sun.

While the Daily Mail reports the east Londoners are 'exploring a loan deal' for the 24-year-old, The Sun reckons the transfer is much further along with a work permit application already made and West Ham hoping to complete a deal 'in the next few days'.

Jimenez only joined Atletico from Mexican outfit Club America for £8.5m in August last year, but he made only four starts in La Liga last season and scored only one goal.

He did, however, score twice for Mexico at this summer's Copa America.

AND THE REST

- Chelsea have attempted to smooth their bid to sign John Stones by holding talks with Everton about how the two clubs can avoid any more mud-slinging over the central defender (Daily Telegraph)

- Manchester United have joined the chase for Everton defender John Stones and will offer Jonny Evans as bait (Daily Mirror)

- Liverpool will discover next week whether they have landed Denis Cheryshev, who they have bid £15million for (The Sun)

- Palermo have opened talks with Joel Campbell but are struggling to meet Arsenal's £7million valuation of the striker (The Sun/Daily Star)

- Tottenham plan to open talks with Stuttgart over Timo Werner (The Times)

- Mohamed Salah has had a medical at Rome, but the winger's loan move from Chelsea has been delayed because Fiorentina want £3.5million in compensation (The Times)

- Everton have expressed an interest in Udinese defender Thomas Heurtaux (The Times)

- Crystal Palace are set to sign Sunderland striker Connor Wickham

- Sunderland are ready to table an improved offer after their £12.5million bid for Fenerbahce striker Moussa Sow was turned down (Daily Star)

- Rickie Lambert is expected to finalise a move from Liverpool to West Brom in the next few days, although the clubs have yet to agree a fee (The Guardian)

- Aston Villa are expected to sign Rudy Gestede from Blackburn today, with Emmanuel Adebayor and Jordan Veretout also close to joining

- Leicester are in talks to sign Atalanta centre-back Yohan Benalouane (The Times/The Sun)

- Leicester are closing on a £10million deal for Internacional midfielder Charles Arunguiz (Daily Mail)

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Brendan Rodgers: Ibe will feature heavily for Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has promised that young winger Jordon Ibe will "feature heavily" this season after the exit of Raheem Sterling.

The 19-year-old product of Wycombe's youth system broke through at Liverpool last season before joining Championship side Derby on loan.

Rodgers has made it clear that he intends to use Ibe more extensively this season, telling the club's official website: "It's year-on-year improvement.

"We mustn't forget he's still only 19. He broke into the team young and had some appearances. We felt he needed a loan, has gone out and did really well.

"Then when he came back last season he was exceptional in his performances. I think he really excites the supporters.

"He's definitely a player that we want to really create into a top-class performer, but we've got to give him that time and we're creating the environment for him to do that.

"You see how exciting he is, but he still has a lot of potential and work to do. He's one that certainly will feature heavily this year."

Ibe scored a stunning goal in Liverpool's 1-1 draw with a Malaysia XI on Friday.

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Digne agent denies Liverpool talks

Lucas Digne: Paris Saint-Germain left-back linked with Liverpool

Lucas Digne's agent has denied reports he has held talks with Liverpool regarding a move to Anfield for the Paris Saint-Germain left-back.

PSG boss Laurent Blanc revealed last week that Digne had made it clear he wanted to leave the club, with Liverpool widely reported to be keen on making him their eighth signing of the summer.

It had been reported in France that PSG that given Digne's agent, former Middlesbrough striker Mikkel Beck, permission to talk to Liverpool officials over a possible move, but that speculation has been dismissed.

"That's not right," Beck told Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet. "They have not given me permission to talk to Liverpool.

"I can not comment on the clubs' names, but there is interest from several large systems. We have to see if something will come eventually, but that is what is being worked on. Lucas is not 100 percent satisfied with the situation in Paris."

It was reported in Spain on Wednesday, meanwhile, that Liverpool's current first-choice left-back, Alberto Moreno, was on a long list of potential Barcelona targets should Adriano leave the Nou Camp.

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Mourinho scuppered Reds' Costa move

Diego Costa: Chelsea striker could have joined Liverpool

A new biography has revealed how Jose Mourinho scuppered Liverpool's bid to sign Diego Costa - a year before he arrived in west London.

The Reds had identified Costa, 26, as a target and lodged a £21.8million with Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2013,  which triggered his release clause.

But Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers were ultimately given the cold shoulder by Costa, who, after speaking to Mourinho, decided to stay with Atletico, according to Spanish journalist Fran Gillen’s biography of the Spain international entitled, Diego Costa: The Art of War.

Costa in fact penned a new deal with Atletico that summer before making the move to Chelsea 12 months later in a deal worth £32million, which eclipsed the offer by Liverpool a year earlier.

Gillen's biography reads: "Jose Mourinho, recently returned to Chelsea, had also identified Costa as a primary target, a Didier Drogba-style centre-forward around whom he could forge a new winning machine.

"However, Mourinho had yet to persuade the owner of Chelsea, Roman Abramovich, to accelerate his rebuilding plans. In both acquiring new players and moving others on, the process would be gradual.

"If Costa could not be signed [for Chelsea] now, a strategy was needed to ensure he was delayed, and not diverted.

"Chelsea and Mourinho made their case to Costa and Atletico: turn down Liverpool now and we will sign you – for more money – in 12 months."

Costa, who was originally a teenage truck driver working for his uncle in Brazil, fired 20 goals in his debut season last term en route to the Premier League title with Chelsea.

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Pulis: Lambert like a 'new car'

Rickie Lambert: Liverpool striker wanted by West Brom

Tony Pulis believes the arrival of Rickie Lambert would be like "bringing a new car out of the garage" after confirming his interest in the Liverpool striker.

West Brom on Wednesday completed their second signing of the summer, buying James Chester from Hull City, and they now hope to make Lambert their third as soon as possible.

Should they complete a deal, Pulis believes the 33-year-old's season of relative inactivity at Anfield could work in the Baggies' favour.

"Rickie is available," the Albion boss told the Birmingham Mail. "Liverpool have made that known. We'd be interested.

"It's very important that we get players who will score goals,

"Rickie's got a great goalscoring record.

"From what I can gather from people at Liverpool his fitness levels are very very good, and he is desperate to play football.

"He didn't play last year so it's like bringing a brand new car out of the garage if we did sign him.

"Just putting a bit of petrol in it and letting it run."

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Pulis: Lambert would be like a new car

Rickie Lambert: Liverpool striker wanted by West Brom

Tony Pulis believes it will be like "bringing a brand new car out of the garage" if West Brom manage to sign Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert.

West Brom on Wednesday completed their second signing of the summer, buying James Chester from Hull City, and they now hope to make Lambert their third as soon as possible.

Should they complete a deal, Pulis believes the 33-year-old's season of relative inactivity at Anfield could work in the Baggies' favour.

"Rickie is available," the Albion boss told the Birmingham Mail. "Liverpool have made that known. We'd be interested.

"It's very important that we get players who will score goals,

"Rickie's got a great goalscoring record.

"From what I can gather from people at Liverpool his fitness levels are very very good, and he is desperate to play football.

"He didn't play last year so it's like bringing a brand new car out of the garage if we did sign him.

"Just putting a bit of petrol in it and letting it run."

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Andre Wisdom joins Norwich on loan from Liverpool

Wisdom: England's young rising star impressed for West Brom last season

Norwich City have secured the services of Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom in a season-long loan deal.

The 22-year-old had already signed a new five-year contract with the Reds in May and will continue his development in the Premier League at Carrow Road. 

The newly-promoted Canaries are expected to pay a loan fee of £1.25m for the England U-21 defender, who can operate as a full-back or in the centre of defence.

Wisdom spent last season on loan at West Brom where he played in 24 Premier League games. He impressed in the Sky Bet Championship for Derby in a temporary spell in the previous campaign.

Norwich boss Alex Neil said: "I'm delighted as Andre fits our profile in terms of getting hungry players in who want to make their way in the game.

"He has Premier League experience & will add competition. The squad is certainly getting stronger, which I'm happy about."

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Liverpool suffer blow to hopes of signing Illarramendi

Asier Illarramendi: Real Madrid midfielder linked with Liverpool switch

Midfielder Asier Illarramendi has reportedly turned down the chance to join Liverpool after being given assurances about his Real Madrid future.

Spanish newspaper Marca had indicated that Liverpool had made Illarramendi an offer for him to earn regular first-team football in the Premier League, with the 25-year-old struggling to break into Real's first XI.

The former Real Socieded star has only started 25 La Liga games since moving to the Bernabeu in 2013 and has outstanding pair Luka Modric and Toni Kroos ahead of him in the central midfield pecking order at the Spanish giants.

Illarramendi, however, has reportedly held talks with Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez about how much playing time he will get in the new season ahead and is happy to stay put for now.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has already added seven players to his squad this summer and will continue to look to strengthen, although it would seem that Illarramendi will not become new boy number eight.

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Bologna ponder Balotelli move

Mario Balotelli: Bologna could make a move

Promoted Bologna could offer Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli the opportunity to rekindle his career in Serie A.

The 24-year-old scored just one Premier League goal in his first season at Anfield and the Italy international's position has been weakened by the £32.5million arrival of Christian Benteke from Aston Villa.

Sampdoria have already expressed their interest in bringing Balotelli back to the league where he has represented both Inter and AC Milan, and now Bologna's director of sport Pantaleo Corvino has hinted at a loan deal.

"I would take him, he would be highly motivated here," Corvino told the Corriere dello Sport.

"Of course, Bologna have to respect certain financial parameters, but for the right price I would even look at the possibility of buying him outright."

Bologna, who are currently coached by Delio Rossi, have just returned from a season in Serie B.

The Rossoblu finished fourth in the second division but beat Pescara to promotion by winning a two-legged play-off final in June.

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Marco Reus 'flattered' by transfer speculation

Marco Reus: Keen to stay at Dortmund

Arsenal and Liverpool target Marco Reus is "flattered" by speculation concerning his future, but is happy at Borussia Dortmund, according to his agency.

The German international has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Liverpool regularly credited with an interest in the forward's services.

Real Madrid are also thought to be fans of the 26-year-old, while reports emanating from Italy claimed Arsenal were frontrunners for his signature on Saturday.

The agency representing Reus, Sport Total, have welcomed the speculation concerning their client's future, but insist he is happy at Dortmund.

"We read the rumours that are circulating about an alleged transfer for Marco," the agency said in a statement released to Tuttojuve.com.

"We can say with certainty that the player is having a wonderful time at Dortmund. He is flattered by the interest of many European teams but he's recently decided to stay in Dortmund."

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Norwich agree loan of Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom

Andre Wisdom: To join Norwich on loan

Premier League newcomers Norwich have agreed a season-long loan deal for versatile Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom.

Although the defender has made just 22 appearances in three years within the Liverpool first-team, Wisdom arrives with plenty of experience after loan spells at Derby and West Brom over the last two seasons.

Wisdom made 38 appearances for County in 2013/14, helping them finish third in the Championship, before making 24 Premier League appearances for West Brom last campaign.

The 22-year-old has been on the books at Anfield since 2008, and signed a five-year deal back in May, but will complete his move to Carrow Road within the week, according to widespread reports.

Alex Neil is willing to pay a fee of around £1.25million to secure Wisdom's services for a year, and the defender, who is adept across the back four, will become the Canaries' fourth signing of the summer, with Robbie Brady expected to join soon from Hull.

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Liverpool striker Danny Ings says 'I'll create space for my new team-mates'

Danny Ings: Celebrates a goal during Liverpool's recent pre-season friendly against Adelaide United

Danny Ings believes his all-action style should help to create space for his new Liverpool team-mates.

The summer signing from Burnley faces plenty of competition for a striking role at Anfield this season following the purchase of Christian Benteke, not to mention Daniel Sturridge who will be pushing for a place in the starting line-up once he recovers from injury.

Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert are also members of the first team squad but Ings says he is ready to make difficult for Premier League strikers.

The 23-year-old said: "After my knee injury a few years ago, I sort of devoted my whole time to working on my speed, my movement, and my creativity.

"What I've found was really effective, even at Championship level, was making runs constantly in behind.

"As soon as a defender switches off that run in behind is so effective.

"As long as there's someone stretching the pitch and you've got your creative players behind you in that space – and you've got players at this football club to feed those runs – you can be an effective team.

"With the way the game is going, it's full of creative players now, players who want to be on the ball all the time.

"But I really do think, even if I don't touch the ball as much as some other guys if I'm still stretching the game it's still as effective.

"It can all get too crunched and if you don't create space for those players, in behind you, then it's hard to create opportunities.

"I'll always work on my game and stretching in behind."

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Rafael Benitez 'tidying up Jose Mourinho's messes'

Jose Mourinho and Rafael Benitez: Managerial rivals

Rafael Benitez has found himself tasked with clearing up another of Jose Mourinho's "messes" at Real Madrid, according to the Spaniard's wife.

Benitez has succeeded Mourinho, with whom he shared a particularly bitter rivalry while manager of Liverpool, as manager at three clubs after his summer appointment at Real Madrid.

Mourinho left Inter Milan after winning the treble with the Italians in the 2009-10 season, with Benitez lasting just six months as his immediate replacement.

Benitez was also one of seven Chelsea managers in the six-year period after Mourinho's first spell at Stamford Bridge, and has now jumped into the Real Madrid hot seat just two years after the Portuguese left the Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking to Spanish outlet La Region, Benitez's wife, Montserrat Seara, says the former Napoli boss has had to "tidy up" what Mourinho has left behind at each of those clubs.

"We tidy up his messes," she said. "If you think about it, of course you end up crossing paths. There are only a few world-class clubs out there."

Montserrat Seara added the 55-year-old, who began his managerial career in 1993, is not close to considering retirement.

"I don't know if he'll ever retire," she added. "All being well, he has 20 years of football left."

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Aston Villa 'to beat' Liverpool, Spurs to Jordan Veretout

Jordan Veretout: On brink of Villa move

Nantes chief Waldemar Kita says a deal to sell Aston Villa and Liverpool target Jordan Veretout to a Premier League club is "basically agreed".

Midfielder Veretout has been linked with moves to Aston Villa, Liverpool and Spurs throughout the summer, with French newspaper L'Equipe claiming last week that the Reds had offered £10.7million for the 22-year-old's services.

The Frenchman scored seven goals and provided six assists for Nantes in 36 Ligue Un appearances last season, with many of Europe's top clubs now taking an interest in the France youth international.

With Liverpool thought to be winning the race for his signature, Nantes president Kita has admitted a deal to sell Veretout to "a great English club" is "basically agreed".

"We are basically agreed on everything," Kita told L'Equipe, who claim Villa are now the frontrunners for Veretout's signing.

"I am obliged to give in, he is 22, he has a big future and he will play for a great English club."

"The problem is that there is a substantial tax in France that does not exist elsewhere.

"If (Veretout) has a delusional salary and he comes to see me and decides to leave, it will be hard to oppose."

Veretout would become Villa's seventh permanent signing of the summer after Scott Sinclair, Micah Richards, Mark Bunn, Idrissa Gueye, Jordan Amavi and Jordan Ayew have all arrived for a cumulative £29million, with the departures of Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph leaving Tim Sherwood with room to improve his squad.

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Sampdoria ask Liverpool for Mario Balotelli 'discount'

Mario Balotelli: On the market

Sampdoria have admitted their interest in Italian striker Mario Balotelli, but have asked Liverpool to lower their £7.1m asking price.

After struggling in his debut season at Anfield, Balotelli's future has come under intense scrutiny this summer, with Brendan Rodgers reportedly willing to listen to offers for the man he signed for £16million just 12 months ago.

The Northern Irishman fueled further speculation just last week by admitting he was "not sure" whether the Italian international would still be at the club by the conclusion of the current transfer window.

Sampdoria, who finished 7th in Serie A last season, have previously discussed a potential move for Balotelli, while Serie C outfit Castelli have offered an unlikely exit route for the 24-year-old.

With Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings all signing this summer to strengthen Liverpool's forward line, Sampdoria have admitted purchasing Balotelli is a temptation, but that the Reds would have to lower their asking price.

Reports claim Liverpool are seeking to recoup less than half of what they initially paid for the striker, who scored four goals in 28 appearances last season, but Sampdoria are only willing to do a deal if the price is cut further, says club president Massimo Ferrero.

"They told me that Mario was yesterday in Genoa," Ferrero told reporters on Monday.

"He costs €10m (£7.1m) but, with discount, you look with open arms."

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Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson expects big things from Adam Lallana

Adam Lallana: Backed to shine this coming season

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson expects big things from Adam Lallana in the coming campaign as his fellow England international has benefited from playing a full part in pre-season.

Shortly after his move from Southampton last summer Lallana sustained a knee injury which cut short his preparation time with the squad and delayed his debut until mid-September.

He was dogged by niggling injuries and fitness concerns throughout his first year at Anfield and that impacted on how effective he could be, but Henderson hopes to see a different player now.

"Last pre-season he got an injury so he didn't really have a good pre-season under his belt, and when he came back he was always trying to fight and get back fit and he then picked up one or two niggles during the season," said Henderson.

"I felt a bit sorry for him last season but Adam is a top player. He's got great quality and he's got great knowledge of the game.

"He's a good lad as well and I'm sure he will work really hard this pre-season and come the first game of the season I'm sure he will be flying.

"I've told him that I'm expecting big things from him this season.

"We see every day in training what he's capable of. We saw glimpses of it last season but those injuries sort of knocked him off track a little bit, but I've told him this season is his season.

"It's a big season for him, he knows that, but I'm sure he's got more than enough ability and enough work rate to achieve that."

Managing the expectation is often the biggest adjustment players who arrive at the club face and those who did not have the best debut campaign are immediately put under more scrutiny for the start of their second season.

However, Lallana has already shown in flashes what he is capable of and Henderson believes the 27-year-old can cope with the extra pressure of producing on a regular basis.

"Deep down he knows this is big season. It's a big season for everyone, not just Adam, and it's a big season for the whole team," Henderson told LFCTV.

"I know he feels as though he can show people a lot more in terms of getting into a rhythm of playing every week.

"There's big things to come from him I'm sure."

The players have been given some down time after returning from their tour of Thailand, Australia and Malaysia but will be back in training later this week as they gear up for another friendly in Helsinki on Saturday.

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Lawrenson fears Liverpool will be bullied

Brendan Rodgers: Takes Liverpool back to Stoke on opening day

Mark Lawrenson is worried Liverpool will no better prepared for their season opener at Stoke than they were the final game of last term.

Liverpool were humiliated 6-1 on the final day of the 2014-15 season and, in a twist of fate, will begin 2015-16 back at the Britannia Stadium.

The Reds have added the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner, Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke to their squad over the summer, but Lawrenson believes a relatively easy pre-season schedule could leave Brendan Rodgers' side under-prepared for the real action.

"You can win games, you can lose games, players can have blinders, some have stinkers," Lawrenson told the Liverpool Echo.

"The single aim during pre-season, though, is being ready for the big Premier League kick-off.

"And I'm a little concerned Liverpool could be undercooked going into the new campaign.

"We haven't really faced any opposition of note yet, and the scheduled remaining friendly matches don't look capable of changing that.

"We know all too well that going to Stoke City on the opening day isn't going to be easy.

"The players who featured in the 6-1 defeat there on the final day of last season are no doubt still smarting from that embarrassment.

"But knowing what Stoke is like and actually dealing with it are two completely different things.

"I worry one or two players will have strolled through pre-season, then be alarmed as soon as the real stuff starts.

"I know all about the importance of fitness, and the sports science bods are all no doubt ticking off the boxes to say our players are ready.

"It's totally different, though, when somebody is trying to kick seven shades of you-know-what out of you.

"I think back to Hull City away, Crystal Palace at home and that Stoke game towards the end of last season.

"We were bullied in every one of those games, and I'd like to know whether it's going to be any different.

"The fixture list hasn't been kind and we have some seriously difficult games - especially away from home - during the opening months, and you don't want to go into those games not looking like we are ready."

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Milner: Everything there for Anfield success

James Milner: Relishing central role at Liverpool

James Milner is confident Liverpool will see the best of him as a central midfielder - and reckons he could win more silverware at Anfield.

Milner won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup during his five years at City but decided to make the move down the East Lancs road to Liverpool despite the Reds winning only a solitary League Cup during the same time period.

Milner, however, had grown tired of irregular action at the Etihad Stadium and is looking forward to nailing down a place in the central midfield of a team he feels sure can challenge for major honours in the coming seasons.

"This move was a selfish move for me," he told the Mail on Sunday. "I played at City in different positions. The team will always come first, that's the way I believe it should be.

"But I think the move to come to here and take that mantle on myself was more of a selfish move and hopefully I can contribute to success at Liverpool. I'd like to think you will see the best of me now I am in the central role.

"Liverpool nearly won the title two years ago so it's not that much of a closed shop.

"It's hard for every team in the Premier League. To go and win the Premier League is so much harder. But everything is there for us to be successful - the ground, the fans, the manager, the players - and this club is used to being successful. This is a chance for me to prove something.

"I want to look back at my career and feel I got everything out of it and was the best player I could be and won as much as I possibly could. I don't want to be sat at the end of my career thinking I could have done more, or left something out there.

"I believe I can achieve things here where I could maybe have found myself on the bench at City. That doesn't mean I am guaranteed to play in every game at Liverpool, but I feel I have a better chance of playing every week if I perform."

Speculation in Sunday's newspapers suggests Leicester are interested in Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert and have also been offered, along with Aston Villa, Fabio Borini.

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Manchester United ready to begin Pedro talks

Pedro: Could move to Manchester United sometime next week

Manchester United will reportedly hold talks with Barcelona this weekend in their bid to beat Liverpool and Chelsea to the signing of forward Pedro.

The Spain international is seen as an ideal replacement for Angel Di Maria, who is rumoured to be closing in on a £45million switch to French giants PSG.

United are due to play Barca in a friendly clash in San Francisco on Saturday evening, hence it would seem the perfect time to open talks over the 27-year-old's potential move to Old Trafford.

Pedro, who has won 51 caps for his country, has a £22million release clause in his contract but United are keen on negotiating that price and will put a payment structure in place that could see the versatile forward complete his move sometime next week.

Louis van Gaal is keen to add to his striking options, following the loss of Robin van Persie to Fenerbahce, and Pedro's ability to play through the middle or out wide is a major factor in LVG's interest. 

Liverpool and Chelsea remain keen, however, but it would seem that United may have stolen a march on their Premier League rivals ahead of the start of the new season.

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Serie C Lupa Castelli consider shock move for Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli: Could be offered a lifeline by Serie C side

Mario Balotelli could be offered the chance to end his Liverpool nightmare - by making a move to ambitious Serie C outfit Lupa Castelli.

Italy striker Balotelli joined the Reds in a £16million deal last summer but failed to settle at Anfield and scored just four goals in all competitions for the club.

Liverpool have signed Christian Benteke and Danny Ings this summer, and with Daniel Sturridge also on their books, they are widely reported to be happy to listen to offers for their Italian misfit.

But with Liverpool so far not finding any suitors for the former AC Milan, Man City and Inter striker, Serie C side Castelli have outlined ambitious plans to sign him on loan.

Speaking to Sky Italiam, Castelli’s club president Marco Amelia said: "Our intention is to bring our friend, Balotelli, here, a player who at this time needs to start afresh because we see that he does not want to play anymore, has fans opposing him and is no longer able to show his quality.

"For Mario, this could be the first step towards cleaning up his act, taking two steps back and showing everyone what he is capable of doing. Six months here would be useful to him to start the path of purification.

"He must regain humility and enthusiasm that allowed him to break into football matters when he was starting out."

Amelia admits a deal for Balotelli looks unlikely, but will still press ahead with plans to ask him.

"It will be difficult, almost impossible, but I will try anyway," he added. "I hope that the importance of the city of Rome and our friendship helps me.

"I’ll try to call Mario Balotelli. On an economic point of view, we’ll see what happens. I think that at this time Mario needs to find the will he needs to compete. It will be tough, it will be almost impossible as it is something that football has never seen, but he could do it.”

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Gossip: Arsenal to beat Liverpool to Reus

Marco Reus: Linked with move to Arsenal

Arsenal will beat Liverpool to Marco Reus, Man City are closing on Kevin de Bruyne and Southampton want James Chester, claim Saturday's papers.

GUNNERS TO MAKE REUS MOVE

Arsenal are set to hijack Liverpool's move for Marco Reus, who looks increasingly likely to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Reus has been linked with a move to Anfield this season with reports in Italy suggesting Liverpool had made an enquiry for the playmaker.

But the Daily Express are reporting that Arsenal, in a story originally published by Tuttomercatoweb, are now ready to move for the midfielder.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is in the market for his marquee signing this summer after landing Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in previous seasons.

And Arsenal director Lord Harris claims the club are in a position to bring in almost any big name they choose with their £200million transfer kitty, despite Arsene Wenger's denials.

Reus has four years left on his Dortmund contract and would command a fee of around £50million.

DE BRUYNE AGENT SET FOR CITY TALKS

Kevin De Bruyne's agent has flown to England to try and thrash out a deal with Man City for the player.

The Daily Mirror claims that Patrick De Koster has travelled to the UK for follow up talks with Blues director of football Txiki Begiristain.

City have yet to make an official bid for the former Chelsea star, but with Wolfsburg and De Bruyne, in London for the Emirates Cup this weekend, City see it as an ideal chance to press home their interest in the midfielder.

And with their chase of Juventus star Paul Pogba at a stalemate, the Blues want to press on with a deal for De Bruyne, who could cost as much as £60million.

SAINTS JOIN CHESTER CHASE

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has joined the £10million chase for James Chester - and is ready to battle Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle, West Brom and Crystal Palace for the Hull defender.

The Daily Mirror claims Saints are in the market for two new centre-backs this summer after missing out to Tottenham Toby Alderweireld and losing Florin Gardos for seven months with a knee injury.

Belgian international Alderweireld, 26, opted for an £11.2million switch to Spurs from Atletico Madrid ahead of joining the south coast outfit on a permanent deal following a successful season on loan at St Mary's.

Romania ace Gardos, 26, won't play again until February after being crocked in Thursday's 3-0 pre-season friendly win over Feyenoord.

That leaves Koeman with Jose Fonte and Maya Yoshida as his only fit and experienced central defenders going into the new campaign.

Chester has forced his way on to Koeman's wish list after delivering a string of impressive performances for the Tigers last term, which earned him a Wales call-up.

Hull chief Steve Bruce is resigned to losing a string of his top stars following the Yorkshire side's relegation to the Championship - and Chester is already a prime target for a host of top-flight predators.

The Warrington-born defender, who can also operate at right-back, was a £300,000 snip from Manchester United four years ago.

But his valuation has soared after two impressive seasons in the top flight with a string of clubs keen to sign him this summer.

Chester, who has a year left on contract at the KC Stadium, is eager to continue plying his trade in the Premier League.

And Hull are reportedly happy to cash in if their asking price is met.

AND THE REST

- PSG expect to leave North America next weekend with £45.9million Angel Di Maria as their player (various)

- QPR boss Chris Ramsey admits it is "unlikely" that top-scorer Charlie Austin will stay at Loftus Road (Daily Mirror)

- Edin Dzeko is heading for the Manchester City exit after manager Manuel Pellegrini revealed why he's not playing the striker (Daily Mirror)

- West Brom have made a £6million bid for Sevilla midfielder Vicente Iborra (Daily Mirror)

- Stoke are struggling to get Dynamo Kiev winger Andriy Yarmolenko to join the club (Daily Mirror)

- Aston Villa are on the verge of a treble swoop for Esteban Cambiasso, Rudy Gestede and Jordan Ayew (The Sun)

- West Brom are set to move for Krasnodar midfielder Charles Kabore (The Sun)

- Wigan will make a £1.5million swoop for Chesterfield winger Sam Clucas (The Sun)

- Zlatan Ibrahimovic has opened the door to a surprise Manchester United switch after admitting he would be happy to work under Louis van Gaal (Daily Mail)

- Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is refusing to give up on his long-term dream of landing Karim Benzema this summer. The Gunners have had an initial enquiry rebuffed (Daily Mail)

- Lyon manager Hubert Fournier has warned suitors that he expects his sought-after France international forward Alexandre Lacazette to remain at the club (Daily Mail)

- Marc Bartra has rubbished suggestions he wants to leave Barcelona and has reiterated his desire to stay at the Nou Camp.

- Newly-promoted Norwich are eyeing ex-Bolton and Sunderland full-back Marcos Alonso.

- Arsenal are hopeful that Theo Walcott could sign a new contract before the start of the season The Independent)

- Newcastle lead the race to land £12million-rated Bordeaux striker Diego Rolan.

- Mohamed Salah is on the verge of a move to Roma after the Italian club reached agreement with Chelsea to take the Egypt winger on loan, at a cost of about £2million, with a view to a £14million move next summer (The Times)

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Brendan Rodgers backs new striker Christian Benteke to be a big hit at Liverpool

Christian Benteke: Joined Liverpool for £32.5m (picture courtesy of Liverpool FC)

Brendan Rodgers has dismissed claims that Christian Benteke doesn't fit into Liverpool's style, saying he'll "get all types of goals" at Anfield.

The Belgian completed a £32.5million move from Aston Villa on Wednesday and despite an impressive return of roughly a goal every other game at the Midlands club, there have been suggestions that Benteke might be ill-suited to the passing game preferred by Rodgers.

The Ulsterman though has no such concerns and has backed his new striker to make a real impact at Anfield.

"There’s a number of qualities that he has and he will only improve in his time at the club," he told the club’s official website.

"I think first and foremost his goals, if you look at his goals record since the time that he’s been in the Premier League he's up there with the best in terms of numbers. So that was very important for us.

"Obviously I've heard and I've seen stuff about the style, 'he won't fit the style of how we play' - I think he'll only complement it and help us."

Rodgers insists that Benteke has all the attributes to enhance Liverpool’s attacking options and thinks he can only get better.

"He’s a big guy but he’s got the attributes that I like in terms of pace and movement and he gets goals, he gets all types of goals," he added.

“He's great in the air, strong, he can hold the game up, he can play on the counter-attack, he can play whenever the team is deep because he can hold the ball up with his physical strength.

“As I said, he's a boy that still is improving in his game so I don’t think there’s any doubt he'll fit our tactical idea of the game and he can be a huge player for us.”

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