Liverpool in talks to sign Mario Balotelli

Liverpool: Liverpool could be about to replace one controversial striker with another.

Italy international Mario Balotelli has been lined up by the Premier League club as a potential replacement for Luis Suarez, who left Anfield to join Barcelona for $130 million.

Liverpool are in talks with AC Milan over the permanent signing of Balotelli, who was rarely out of the headlines in a 2½-year spell with Manchester City that ended in January 2013.

Liverpool have yet to open talks with Balotelli.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said he is looking to add a striker to his squad before the transfer window shuts on September 1.

Suarez was sold to Barcelona after being handed a four-month worldwide ban for biting an opponent during the World Cup.