​Newcastle United have sensationally approached Liverpool about the possibility of signing Italian international striker Mario Balotelli, according to ​Winnersports.





Magpies boss Steven McClaren is said to be interested in signing the Italian on a season-long loan deal from the Anfield club, as he believes he's able to get the best out of the misfiring forward.





Balotelli only joined Liverpool from AC Milan last summer, but bagged just four goals in all competitions - and one in the Premier League - through the entire campaign.





His attitude is said to have put off manager Brendan Rodgers, and he is now prepared to shift the player on in order to make room for another forward. Liverpool have already signed Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim and Danny Ings from Burnley this summer, and they are also reportedly closing in on the signing of Christian Benteke from Aston Villa.





Liverpool have yet to respond to Newcastle's offer, though it is believed the club would prefer to offload the player permanently as opposed to on loan. The likes of Sampdoria and other clubs in Italy have however withdrawn their interest in the player, so it could be down to Liverpool to consider a loan if they want the 24-year-old off their books.









Newcastle though are frantically searching for a new centre forward, and have switched their attention to Balotelli because their approaches for QPR's Charlie Austin and Wolfsburg's Bas Dost appear to be stalling.





McClaren and owner Mike Ashley believe a marquee signing would attract the club's fans to snap up the remainder of the season tickets on sale - with 30 per cent of those tickets yet to be sold.





A source close to Newcastle told Winnersports: " Something needs to be done – and fast. The season is closing in, the players are back training yet no signings have been made. This cannot go on.





“Balotelli may not be to be everyone’s liking but when he is on his day he is a top player and McClaren believes he can get the best out of him.”





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