Liverpool outcast Mario Balotelli has been given until the end of the season to earn a permanent move to AC Milan.
The Italy international’s season-long loan back with his former club has been as fruitful as his ill-fated £16 million move to Anfield, with only three goals in 17 Serie A appearances this term.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani appeared to have condemned Balotelli to a summer return to the Reds last week, but has now thrown down the gauntlet to the 25-year-old to prove he is worthy of a long-term stay at the San Siro.
He said: “Balotelli has to earn the right to play for Milan.
“He knows that, we had a very long talk about it. He must convince us to buy him outright, so it depends only on him.
“Mario has everything it takes to achieve that aim. We hope he will achieve it.”