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Kenny Jackett says Mario Balotelli gave his Wolverhampton Wanderers players a testing but fair work-out at Liverpool’s training ground last Friday.

Social media went into orbit with claims the Italian had taken a swipe at George Saville at Melwood in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory.

The accusation still makes Jackett smile.

“It was a really good game and in terms of football, we gave as good as we got,” he said.

“We played very well and it was just a really good quality game for us.

“I was pleased with the effort and application of the players.

“Our side played well – we played constructive football and we had good enthusiasm.”

As for the alleged incident, Jackett said: “There were a few tackles in the game but nothing out of order.

“There was nothing we, or Brendan Rodgers or Colin Pascoe were unhappy with or that the referee made anything of.

“I can’t even remember a 50-50 between Balotelli and Saville.

“Declan Weeks pinged the ball off him a few times but then Balotelli showed some fantastic pieces of skill to go past some of our lads as well.

“I can’t really think of an incident where him and Saville clashed if I’m being truthful.

“Balotelli was substituted, but not after any particular tackle or incident.

“The guys (substitutes) seemed to be warming up for ages and they seemed to be saying (to Balotelli) ‘give him another 10 minutes’ – that seemed to be the process.

“It looked like he was always going to come off after an hour but he went on until maybe 70 minutes or something like that.

“It was Colin Pascoe (Liverpool’s assistant manager) shouting to the player, who was happy to stay on.”

Meanwhile, £3m target Andy Delort has told the French press he didn’t choose Wigan over Wolves because of money.

Wolves met Tours’ financial demands but would not pay the striker’s terms which led to a stand-off between the player and his former club before Tours sanctioned his move to the Latics.

Asked whether he was driven by money, Delort responded: “No, not at all! You go to other countries like Russia or Qatar if you’re looking for money.

“Anyway, if I wanted more money, there were offers from clubs in the Premier League (believed to be QPR) that would have given me it.”

Delort defended the role of his agents: “I can’t fault my agents at all.

“We agreed terms with several clubs and it was Tours that wouldn’t sanction the move. That’s it. Yes, it took a long time and I definitely expected things to get sorted out a lot more quickly, but you just have to learn from it.

“It was a difficult situation to manage but one thing is certain: I’ve signed for a great club with plenty of ambition just like myself.”