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Palermo makes Balotelli bid

Reuters

To see a list of completed deals in the summer window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker

With just days before the transfer window closes, Palermo is hoping to offer Liverpool wantaway Mario Balotelli a lifeline by luring the former Italian international to the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

With the Azzurri outcast almost certain to leave Liverpool before the window slams shut on Aug. 31, Palermo vice president Guglielmo Micciche is hoping that the Merseysiders accept the bid tabled by last year's 16th-place finisher.

Palermo is just the latest of a slew of clubs expressing an interest in the mercurial striker.

Related: Nice reportedly front-runner to sign Liverpool's Balotelli

"It's a very fascinating proposition," Micchiche told La Gazzetta dello Sport, courtesy of ESPN FC.

"It's a very difficult operation, but we're trying. It would be a great coup for president (Maurizio) Zamparini, a gift for all of the fans."

A once promising career has hit a wall since Balotelli, 26, joined Liverpool in 2014 from AC Milan. In 16 appearances with the Reds, Balotelli has bagged just one goal, prompting an unsuccessful loan move back to the San Siro.

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With Liverpool desperate to recoup the brunt of the £16-million fee paid for the player, Jurgen Klopp and Co. may have to take a loss to offload its second marquee striker of the summer after Christian Benteke made the switch to Crystal Palace.

Whether or not Balotelli can regain the form he displayed in 2013-14 when he scored 14 goals in Milan's trademark Rossoneri strip, Micchiche is willing to take a risk.

"We've made an offer and now the ball is in Liverpool and the player's court. His salary is high and he has a pool of sponsors, so it's not an easy solution, but Palermo could be just the right place for him.

"He was born in Palermo and we consider him a citizen of Palermo. This city would welcome him with open arms - he would be adored here. A player like him would be a dream for Palermo and he could be the leader of this team."

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