Mario Balotelli has no future in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool plans for the new season.
Balotelli rejoined the Reds for pre-season training on the back of an unsuccessful loan spell at AC Milan last season but is unlikely to feature.
The former Manchester City striker, 25, was overlooked for last Friday’s friendly with Friday and that theme is expected to continue in tonight’s trip to Fleetwood Town.
And Klopp insists that Balotelli’s best option is currently to leave Anfield, with Liverpool already well stocked in their attacking department with four more preferred options.
He said: “I have spoken to him about this. He’s not at the stage of his career where he should be battling with four or five other players for one or two positions.
“We want him to become the player he was before his injury – the talent is still there, there’s no doubt about it.
“When we have done the crossing, heading and stuff he’s been world class.
“But this is not a situation where he should be battling with other players like this for one position, so it’s clear we need a solution.
“There will be a club around who would be happy to have new Mario Balotelli. I have spoken clearly to the player about that.
“In this case it’s obvious. It’s now time to make decisions and I try to help Mario to get in the best shape he can be in and we will see what happens.”