Brendan Rodgers plays down Mario Balotelli exit rumours

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has played down suggestions that Mario Balotelli could leave Anfield in January.

The 24-year-old joined Liverpool from AC Milan in the summer, but has netted just twice in 15 games for the English club.

The Italian has been linked with a return to Inter Milan, but Rodgers has said that he has not even considered selling the controversial forward.

"It's not something I have even thought about, to be honest," Rodgers told reporters.

"We've had a lot of games this season in a lot of competitions and, at this moment in time, the key for me is to keep this squad together."

A number of European clubs are said to be monitoring proceedings.