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Mario Balotelli has thrown a private party for friends as talk of a Liverpool exit before Wednesday's transfer deadline gathers pace.

The striker was snapped outside San Carlo Italian restaurant in Manchester with pals as Palermo reportedly prepare a bid to take the former Man City man back to Serie A.

Balotelli was easy to spot in lime green footwear as he posed for pictures with friends having failed to feature under Jurgen Klopp so far this season.

The 26-year-old was born in Palermo and has been urged to make the switch back to Italy, despite any move meaning he will likely have to take a pay cut from his current £90,000-a-week wages.

(Image: Eamonn and James Clarke) (Image: Eamonn and James Clarke) (Image: Eamonn and James Clarke)

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Palermo sporting director Daniele Faggiano said: “We think that Palermo could be just the right place for him to relaunch his career.

“We would welcome him like a great champion, who with the talent he has got could get back into the national team.

“The only obstacle is his salary, but his desire could shift the balance in Palermo’s favour. We’re waiting for his decision.”

(Image: Eamonn and James Clarke) (Image: Eamonn and James Clarke) (Image: Eamonn and James Clarke)

Balotelli spent last season on loan at AC Milan but scored only once in 20 Serie A appearances for the European giants.

He initially left the San Siro to move to Liverpool in the summer of 2014, but managed just a solitary goal in 16 Premier League outings for the Reds.