Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers hints at Mario Balotelli exit

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has suggested that Mario Balotelli is free to leave the club this summer.

The Italy international striker joined the Merseysiders from AC Milan last year but struggled during his first season at Anfield, netting just one Premier League goal.

The 24-year-old, who has been linked with a move back to Serie A, was omitted from Liverpool's pre-season tour of Australia and Asia.

"Mario has not come on tour but he is training hard with other players at Melwood," Rodgers told The Telegraph.

"It is up to Mario [whether he will be a Liverpool player] next season. We'll see when the season begins."

Inter Milan have reportedly rejected the opportunity to take Balotelli on loan.