Mario Balotelli likely to return to Liverpool from AC Milan

Mario Balotelli is likely return to Liverpool after AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani claimed the player is not meeting expectations.

The Italy international is on a season-long loan deal at the San Siro, but has scored just three times in 17 appearances for Milan.

And Galliani believes the 25-year-old has much to do in the remainder of the campaign to convince Milan to make his deal permanent.

Galliani said: "We really like Mario, but he has to convince us to earn a permanent deal.

"Mario is feeling well. He is desperate to stay here at Milan. But like I have said before, he does not merit a permanent deal at the moment."

Balotelli struggled for form during his season at Liverpool

Balotelli previously played for the Rossoneri in 2013 and 2014, scoring 30 goals in 54 appearances in all competitions before making a £16m switch to Liverpool.

He struggled for form in his first season at Anfield and returned to Milan on loan last summer.

Balotelli, who has also played for Inter Milan and Manchester City, is struggling to make the Italy squad for Euro 2016 this summer.