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Liverpool FC have warned Mario Balotelli he must agree to clean up his act if he’s going to complete a £16million move to Anfield from AC Milan.

Chief executive Ian Ayre met with the Italian striker’s agent Mino Raiola on Thursday evening as the Reds seek guarantees about his attitude and behaviour.

Raiola arrived at the club's city centre offices for talks after Liverpool’s negotiations with the Serie A outfit reached a swift and successful conclusion.

The meeting was described by an Anfield source as “productive” and the discussions are scheduled to continue on Friday.

There are currently no plans for Balotelli to fly into the UK but the indications are that assurances about his conduct won't be a stumbling block.

Despite ruling out the prospect of signing Balotelli earlier this month, the transfer has the full backing of Brendan Rodgers, who is convinced the fee represents smart business.

However, before proceeding with the deal, the manager is keen to ensure that Balotelli is willing to buy into the culture he has created at Anfield.

The former Manchester City frontman’s disciplinary problems – both on and off the field – have been well documented and Rodgers doesn’t want anything to disrupt Liverpool’s team spirit.

Balotelli has infuriated his former bosses at times with a lack of effort in both training and matches and Rodgers has made it clear that simply won’t be tolerated at Anfield.

It has been spelt out to Raiola exactly what is expected of Balotelli with clauses in his contract outlining financial penalties if he steps out of line.

If those terms are agreed to then Balotelli will travel to Merseyside over the next 48 hours to meet Rodgers face to face and undergo a medical.

Balotelli won’t be registered in time to face his former club Man City at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night.

Rodgers’ change of stance on Balotelli is down to the Reds’ failure to land other striking options and also Milan’s asking price.

Earlier in the summer they were quoting clubs £25million for the 24-year-old but have now accepted £16million.

At that price the manager believes it’s a gamble worth taking and the club’s owners believe Rodgers can get the best out of Balotelli like he has done with the likes of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

If the Balotelli deal goes through then Liverpool are unlikely to follow up their interest in Samuel Eto’o, who is a free agent after leaving Chelsea.

Speaking ahead of the Reds’ friendly clash with AC Milan in America earlier this month, Rodgers said: “Balotelli is a big talent.

“I saw that in this time at Inter Milan as a young player and obviously going to Manchester City when we had a real close eye on him there.

“He’s got all the qualities. He’s 6ft 3ins, he’s quick, his touch is terrific and he can score goals.

“He went back to Italy to play and he’s still so young. If his focus is right, his concentration is right and he leads the lifestyle of a top player then he can play for any team in the world.”