AC Milan president confirms Balotelli will return to Liverpool

Mario Balotelli failed to earn a permanent deal to remain with AC Milan and looks set for a return to Liverpool.

The Italian forward struggled during his second stint with the Rossoneri, scoring just one Serie A goal in 20 appearances during his season-long loan.

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi revealed that Balotelli will be joined by Alex, Philippe Mexes, and Kevin-Prince Boateng as players who aren't expected to return to the San Siro next season.

"Balotelli's contract with us has expired and there are going to be many players leaving us," Berlusconi told Telelombardia, as translated by ESPNFC. "Players like Alex, Mexes, Boateng, and Balotelli are all out of contract and there will be others released, too.

"Even if the Chinese (investors) arrive, they still want me to be responsible for the transfer market."

After admitting his unhappiness at Liverpool, where he spent the 2014-15 with the Merseyside outfit, a move back to Anfield could present an awkward scenario for both sides.

Related - Mario Balotelli doesn't want to return to Liverpool: 'I wasn't happy'

According to reports out of Italy, though, Balotelli could avoid returning to England if Sampdoria swoops in and signs him to a deal. However, an agreement hinges on whether Liverpool releases the 25-year-old, according to Premium Sport, as translated by Football Italia.