Napoli, Ajax interested in Mario Balotelli

Napoli and Ajax are among the leading clubs vying for the signature of Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli. The Italian is deemed surplus to requirements at the Merseyside outfit.

Balotelli recently returned to Anfield after AC Milan opted against turning his loan contract into a permanent one.

The likes of Besiktas and Sampdoria have recently expressed interest in the 25-year-old, but neither of them are willing to buy him outright due to his hefty wage demands.

Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio says Ajax and Napoli have made enquiries of their own for the player despite his dismal showing in Serie A last season.

Napoli currently have Balotelli on their transfer shortlist after they shipped Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus on a club-record sale, whilst Ajax will consider a formal bid for the marksman, only if they reach the Champions League proper.

Liverpool value their player at £8m which is exactly half of what they paid to recruit him from Milan in 2014.