Juventus have confirmed a move to sign Mario Balotelli, according to a report in The Times.

The report, written by respected journalists Gary Jacob and Tony Barrett (the Liverpool correspondent) carries quotes from Juve boss Massimo Allegri – who coached Balotelli at AC Milan before his move to Anfield in the summer.

“We would like to recruit him, but we do not know if it’s possible,” Allegri is quoted as saying. “Mario had a good season with me. Unfortunately he’s built up a character outside the world of football and everyone talks about what he does off the pitch. All coaches love to lead the best players.”

Balotelli, who has found himself as a peripheral figure since returning from injury last month, is yet to score a Premier League goal for the club. In his 18 appearances (11 starts) his two goals have arrived against Ludogorets (Champions League) and Swansea City (League Cup).

The Times‘ report claims Juve could be interested in an initial loan move for the 24-year-old Italian.

Allegri’s interest in Balotelli was also reported in Italian publications over the weekend.

Sunday’s Tuttosport front page links Juventus with a move for Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli pic.twitter.com/jgceU2tfkg — B/R Football (@brfootball) January 11, 2015

Balotelli was also linked with a loan move to PSG over the weekend.

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