Sampdoria reveal Mario Balotelli interest

Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero has said that he wants Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli to join the Serie A club.

The 24-year-old joined the Reds from AC Milan last summer, but he endured a frustrating season and started just 10 Premier League matches.

It has led to increased speculation that he will leave Anfield and return to Italy, with Ferrero admitting that he would relish the chance to sign the forward.

"Balotelli is a great player," Ferrero told reporters. "At Sampdoria he would have the opportunity to relaunch his career in a city where he would have less pressure.

"I like him so much, but I heard he earns €10m (£7m)-a-year at Liverpool, while here he would have to settle for €1m (£700,000)."

Balotelli scored four goals for Liverpool last season.