Liverpool surprise swap deal: Reds to offer striker in exchange for international star

LIVERPOOL will use Mario Balotelli in a swap deal to sign Fiorentina midfielder Josip Ilicic, according to reports.

Mario Balotelli and Josip Ilicic (right) could switch clubs this summer

Balotelli, 25, is on loan at AC Milan this season but the Serie A club are unlikely to make it a permanent transfer.
It means he could report back for pre-season training at Melwood this summer, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expected to then offload him.

Why always him?

Mario Balotelli is on the verge of leaving Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp keen to make back the money Brendan Rodgers spent on him

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And Italian newspaper Il Giornale claim Fiorentina may take on the Italy international in a deal to send Ilicic the other way.

According to the claims, 28-year-old Ilicic, who boasts 38 caps for Slovenia, would welcome a swap deal after three years in Florence.
However, any transfer would mean either Balotelli taking a wage cut or Liverpool offering to pay part of his salary.