Mario Balotelli has made just four appearances for Milan all season

The striker, who joined Liverpool from Milan in a £16m deal back in 2014, was sent back to his former club at the start of the season.

Balotelli, 26, is currently on loan at Milan after being told he isn't needed at Liverpool.

Who will West Ham sign in the January transfer window?

Hammers manager Slaven Bilic is keen to sign a striker this January after Andy Carroll was ruled out for six weeks with a hamstring strain.

Nikica Jelavic did his selection hopes no harm when scoring West Ham's consolation in their 2-1 loss at Newcastle today.

However, it is thought Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande want to sign Jelavic, while Manuel Lanzini's injury means Enner Valencia could be Bilic's sole striker.

As for Balotelli, the forward has scored just once in four appearances for Milan this season.