Mario Balotelli to Liverpool: No ‘bad boy’ contract for £16m Reds striker

Italian should move to Merseyside early next week

Rodgers showered praise on Balotelli last week, which led to speculation he could sign the AC Milan front man (Getty)

Mario Balotelli’s agent has denied reports that Liverpool inserted “bad boy clauses” into the striker’s contract, saying he will be subject to the same disciplinary rules as every other player at Anfield.

Mino Raiola said he expected to complete the £16m deal that will take the 24-year-old from Milan to Merseyside on Monday or Tuesday.

“Mario will not have a contract that is different to other Liverpool players,” said Raiola. “But he has to respect the rules of the club like anyone else.”

He added Balotelli was well aware the move represented probably his last chance to fulfil his potential.

“I was always against the idea of Mario moving back to Milan when he left Manchester City,” he said.

“This time I have looked to find him a club where he can be in his element and be allowed to take some responsibility without being asked to be a leader.

"The pressure has to be off his shoulders so he can score the goals he is capable of. It is unthinkable that his career can stand another flop.”