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Mario Balotelli could become a Liverpool player on Monday – but the Reds have ended their interest in Samuel Eto’o.

Balotelli is on the brink of completing a surprise move to Anfield after a £16million deal was thrashed out with AC Milan last week.

The 24-year-old striker, who was at Melwood on Friday to undergo a medical, flew back to Italy on Saturday night.

Balotelli will return to Merseyside on Monday to put pen to paper on an initial three-year contract having agreed to take a pay cut to realise his desire of a return to the Premier League.

And assuming no issues are discovered, in the coming days the Italy international will become Brendan Rodgers’ ninth signing of a busy summer transfer window.

The Reds boss, though, will not follow up interest in Cameroon veteran Eto’o.

The 33-year-old free agent was an option for Liverpool as they sought a striker to bolster their forward line following the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

But with Balotelli close to being confirmed, Eto’o is no longer required.

Meanwhile, Balotelli’s agent, Mino Raiola, admits the striker is now facing his last chance to forge a career at a leading club.

“Mario played well for six or seven months, giving a decisive push for them to enter the Champions League,” said Raiola.

“But then you could see he is not ready to be a leader.

“Will he ever be a leader? It’s not mandatory that every player has to be a leader.

“I sought out for him a team where he can be an important element without being asked to be a leader. Liverpool have Steven Gerrard. There Mario will be protected and can give his best.

“Now it’s up to him. Another flop is inadvisable... Not everyone is born to be a leader and a good striker is not always a leader either.

“Mario needs to get this pressure off his shoulders. He must feel free to score goals and that’s it.”

Even if his move is completed tomorrow, Balotelli will be ineligible to face his former club Manchester City at the Etihad later in the evening.