Fiorentina are reluctant to discuss signing Mario Balotelli on Liverpool's terms.

The Viola are being linked with a move for the Italy striker, but La Nazione says there's several hurdles to overcome for the deal to happen.

Liverpool have asked for Mario Gomez in exchange, which appears a non-starter with the Germany striker recently signing a new deal.

New coach Paulo Sousa, the former Swansea City manager, also has concerns over Balotelli and adding his volatile personality to the locker room.

The former Inter Milan forward is up for sale and has been left in Liverpool - with the rest of the squad flying to Australia yesterday.