Liverpool flop Mario Balotelli has four months to prove himself or face being sent back to Italy

The striker could be shipped back to Italy if he fails to make an impact before the summer, but Fabio Borini is staying put

Frustrating time: Balotelli has not impressed for the Reds

Mario Balotelli has four months to save his Liverpool career.
Rodgers will not offload Balotelli during this transfer window - but will send the Kop flop back to Italy in the summer if he does not improve.
The controversial Italian striker has managed just two goals in his 18 Liverpool games - and none in the Premier League - since his £16million switch from AC Milan. He has not started a game since November 8 and it is no coincidence that the Reds are doing better without him.
Rodgers claims Balotelli cares about succeeding at Anfield and says the club will give him the backing he needs. “He does want to stay,” said the Liverpool boss. “I think that is the case with him.
“He does care about doing well for Liverpool and wants to do well, but it just hasn’t gone as he would have wanted.
“He’s a good guy. He’s not scored the goals he would have wanted, but we are determined to help him find a solution.”

John Powell

Why always me? Balotelli has never been far from the back pages

Juventus would consider taking him on loan, despite their public denials this week, but that would just make Rodgers even more reliant on Daniel Sturridge’s delicate muscles and Raheem Sterling.
Rodgers is hardly blessed with goalscorers and his other strikers - Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini - have managed just two goals between them.
Borini insists he does not regret staying at Liverpool - and has ruled out leaving this month.
Borini is enduring a difficult season and is likely to be back on the bench today at Aston Villa after making only his first Premier League start in four months last weekend.

Ian Horrocks

Staying put: Borini wants to fight for his place

The Italian striker rejected QPR and Sunderland in the summer, despite boss Brendan Rodgers warning him his first-team options would be limited, and insists he can still succeed at Anfield.
Borini, who has not scored in 13 appearances this season, said: “I’ve never regretted staying here.
“Yes, I could have left, but I wanted to stay at Liverpool and I’m glad I did.
“I won’t be leaving this month either. I started the last game and I don’t see any reason why I would need to change clubs. I still feel I can be a success here.”