Balotelli made his debut in the 3-0 win over Tottenham and looks set for an automatic run in the starting XI especially after Daniel Sturridge was ruled out of action with an injury for three weeks,
However, it has now been claimed that Balotelli was not Rodgers’ first choice to replace Suarez, with the agent of Lazio’s 19-year-old striking sensation Diao revealing the Reds saw a £16million offer rejected earlier in the window.
Angelo Cascella said: “Liverpool offered £16million for Keita during the summer, but Lazio rejected their proposal.”
Reports in the summer stated that the Serie A outfit were demanding £24million for the Spaniard’s services, with Real Madrid and Manchester United also keeping tabs, but Rodgers opted against signing the 47-goals-in-a-season hitman in favour of the cheaper Balotelli.
Lazio are keen to hold on to Diao, and could offer him a new deal to ward off interest from their domestic rivals Juventus.
Written by Steve Milne
