Ajax, Napoli 'enter Mario Balotelli race'

Ajax and Napoli have reportedly entered the race to sign Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli this summer.

Balotelli has been told that he is surplus to requirements at Anfield, but has so far been unable to find a new club after AC Milan opted against making last season's loan move permanent.

The likes of Besiktas and Sampdoria have previously been linked with the Italy international, although any deal may need to be another loan due to his wage demands.

However, respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Ajax and Napoli have both enquired about the 25-year-old, who has scored just two league goals in the last two seasons.

Napoli are currently looking for a replacement for Gonzalo Higuain following his big-money move to Juventus, although the Serie A side are thought to have other options more appealing to them than Balotelli at the moment.

Ajax, on the other hand, are keen to sign the former Inter Milan and Manchester City striker but could wait until they know whether they will be in the Champions League proper before making a move.

Balotelli has also been linked with a lucrative switch to the Chinese Super League.