Mario Balotelli is likely return to Liverpool after AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani claimed the player is not meeting expectations, reports Sky Sports.

The Italy international is on a season-long loan deal at the San Siro, but has scored just three times in 17 appearances for Milan.

And Galliani believes the 25-year-old has much to do in the remainder of the campaign to convince Milan to make his deal permanent.

Galliani said: "We really like Mario, but he has to convince us to earn a permanent deal.

"Mario is feeling well. He is desperate to stay here at Milan. But like I have said before, he does not merit a permanent deal at the moment."