Struggling Serie A side Parma have admitted that they were close to signing Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.
The Italian strike has found his time at Anfield difficult, having managed to net just two goals since his £16 million switch from AC Milan back in August. But, having been dropped from the starting line up back in November, the 24 year-old has not found his way back into the staring XI and rumours have persisted that he is close to the exit door at Merseyside.
It has now emerged that Serie A’s 19th placed side Parma were close to securing the services of the former Manchester City striker. But, due to financial restraints were unable to close the deal.
“We were very close to the purchase of Mario Balotelli,” said Parma presidnet Ermir Kodra “but we could not close the deal.”
