Chievo Verona are closing on a deal for Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

Chievo president Luca Campedelli is in advanced talks with the Italian's agent Mino Raiola to try and thrash out a deal for the out-of-favour striker, says Gazzetta dello Sport.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has told Balotelli he is free to find a new club after a disastrous spell on Merseyside which included a fruitless loan at AC Milan last term.

The former Manchester City forward has been a controversial figure since arriving in the Premier League with the Blues.