Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero has said the club 'cant afford' to sign striker Mario Balotelli this summer.

The Italy striker has been linked with a move back to Serie A after a difficult season under Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.

Balotelli scored one Premier League goal in 10 starts last season after failing to impress following his £16m arrival from AC Milan in August.

But Ferrero has quashed reports he will join up with former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o at Sampdoria. The 63-year-old reiterated his interest in bringing Balotelli to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris but revealed the club cannot fund a move for his services.

Liverpool's top targets in the summer transfer window 3 show all Liverpool's top targets in the summer transfer window 1/3 Alexandre Lacazette - Lyon The 24-year-old French forward nearly fired a young Lyon side to the Ligue 1 crown with his return of 27 goals in 31 games. A pacey player who loves to take on the opposition he would be certain to thrill the Kop should he head for Anfield. Getty 2/3 Karim Benzema - Real Madrid Another ambitious target for FSG, but Liverpool are likely to be at the front of the queue if their former manager Rafa Benitez deems the French forward surplus to requirements. His signing would undoubtedly represent a statement of intent from the owners, but could they afford his £150,000-plus wages? Getty 3/3 Christian Benteke - Aston Villa A more realistic target than Benzema or Cavani, the Belgian striker's agent has already admitted his interest in a move to Anfield in a prank phone call. Should the real Rodgers choose to move for Benteke Villa will expect Liverpool to pay his £32.5 million buyout clause. Neville Williams/Getty 1/3 Alexandre Lacazette - Lyon The 24-year-old French forward nearly fired a young Lyon side to the Ligue 1 crown with his return of 27 goals in 31 games. A pacey player who loves to take on the opposition he would be certain to thrill the Kop should he head for Anfield. Getty 2/3 Karim Benzema - Real Madrid Another ambitious target for FSG, but Liverpool are likely to be at the front of the queue if their former manager Rafa Benitez deems the French forward surplus to requirements. His signing would undoubtedly represent a statement of intent from the owners, but could they afford his £150,000-plus wages? Getty 3/3 Christian Benteke - Aston Villa A more realistic target than Benzema or Cavani, the Belgian striker's agent has already admitted his interest in a move to Anfield in a prank phone call. Should the real Rodgers choose to move for Benteke Villa will expect Liverpool to pay his £32.5 million buyout clause. Neville Williams/Getty

The Sampdoria chief told Sky Sports Italia: "I'd like to see Balotelli here, but I can't afford it."