AC Milan 'confirm talks with Liverpool over sale of Mario Balotelli'

AC Milan have confirmed that the club are in talks with Liverpool over the sale of striker Mario Balotelli.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers claimed earlier this summer that he was not pursuing a move for the Italian international.

However, in recent days widespread reports have suggested that a deal is back on as Liverpool attempt to replace Luis Suarez, who signed for Barcelona for a reported fee between £65m and £70m.

Milan chief Adriano Galliani poured doubt over the possible transfer this week by stating that Liverpool have not launched a bid for the controversial 24-year-old striker.

Despite his comments, the Serie A club's in-house TV station Milan Channel has confirmed that negotiations are underway between the two parties regarding the sale of Balotelli.

The forward, who moved to Milan in January 2013 after three years at Manchester City, is said to be the subject of a £17.5m fee.