Mario Balotelli "desperate to stay" at AC Milan

AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has revealed that Mario Balotelli is "desperate to stay" at the club when his loan deal from Liverpool expires.

The controversial Italian returned to San Siro last summer on loan almost 12 months after leaving Milan to join Liverpool on a £16m deal.

After failing to make an impact at Anfield, Balotelli tried to revive his career at Milan but due to injury, the striker has made just 15 Serie A appearances and has scored one goal.

"Mario is feeling well," Galliani told reporters. "He is desperate to stay here at Milan, but like I have said before, he does not merit a permanent deal at the moment.

"We really like Mario, but he has to convince us to earn a permanent deal."

Balotelli, who has been linked with a lucrative move to China, has previously played for Inter Milan and Manchester City.