Brendan Rodgers: Smiling Liverpool manager hints at Mario Balotelli deal

Rodgers made an amusing reference to previous denial of the transfer

Brendan Rodgers looks on from the sidelines (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers gave this cheeky answer in his press briefing today when asked about Mario Balotelli's expected £16m transfer to the club from AC Milan:

" I can categorically tell you...that I can't speak about it."

Rodgers was of course referring to his memorable comment when asked about the controversial Italian striker this summer, when he said after Liverpool's pre-season friendly win over Balotelli's Milan in America when asked if the Reds would make a bid for him.

"I can categorically tell you Mario Balotelli will not be at Liverpool."

Rodgers, it seems, has had a change of heart - the player has flown to England to complete the move. It will not be finalised in time for him to play against former team Manchester City, however.

Mario Balotelli is close to a £16m move to Liverpool (Getty)

For Balotelli to feature in Monday's match he would have had to be registered by 12 noon today.

The 24-year-old scored 30 goals in 80 appearances in all competitions for City between 2010 and 2013, winning the Premier League title with the club in 2012.