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Mario Balotelli’s agent admits the Liverpool striker is enduring a worrying slump as he considers a possible move to China this summer,

The Italy international, who is on a season-long loan at AC Milan, has no future at Anfield with the Reds determined to off-load him on a permanent basis.

Balotel has scored just one league goal in 14 appearances so far this term having spent more than three months on the sidelines with a groin injury.

Milan are highly unlikely to want to keep him but a lucrative move to the Chinese Super League is a serious possibility for Balotelli with clubs in the Far East having already enquired about securing a deal for the 25-year-old.

Agent Mino Raiola said: “Balotelli? For the first time with Mario I can’t say anything on a behavioural level.

“In reality, after the injury he hasn’t managed to get going.

“The purchase clause? At this point it’s more important that Mario returns to smiling on the pitch.

“In private he already does, but that’s not enough. Of course, he needs a jolt.”

As well as China, Liverpool have also fielded interest in Balotelli from Turkey with the Reds hopeful of recouping most of the £16million they paid Milan for his signature in August 2014.

Liverpool, who are still paying a significant chunk of his £80,000 per week salary, are keen to get him off the wage bill and have given Raiola the green light to hold talks with potential suitors.