Sampdoria tell Liverpool to drop Mario Balotelli price?

Sampdoria have reportedly told Liverpool that they need to drop their asking price for Mario Balotelli if they want to offload him.

The Italy striker has been linked with a move back to his homeland following a disappointing first season at Anfield, where he scored just once in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old is reportedly on the market for nearly half of the £16m fee that Liverpool paid AC Milan last summer.

According to Goal.com, Sampdoria are keen on signing Balotelli but want the Reds to reduce their asking price to €10m (£7.1m) before doing business.

Balotelli has netted four times in 28 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool.