Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has quickly moved to dismiss reports linking his side with a bid for AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli.
The Italian has been strongly linked with a move away from the San Siro this Summer, with Liverpool and Arsenal interested in his services, but all interest died off after his poor showing in Brazil during the World Cup.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was quick to rubbish the reports when questioned about his Balotelli interest, and now Rodgers has dismissed the stories as well, despite highly praising him just days ago.
The Reds boss admitted that the Italian has every quality that he likes in a striker, but he has now revealed that those comments were not his way of declaring interest in him.
‘I was asked the question about Balotelli and spoke about what a talent he is and excellent player he is,’ said Rodgers.
‘I can categorically tell you that he will not be at Liverpool.
‘He is a wonderful player, but an AC Milan player. I just gave my opinion of him, but that doesn’t mean I will be signing him.’