Mario Balotelli latest: Liverpool striker undergoing medical at AC Milan, season-long loan deal imminent

Italy defender to end nightmare spell at Anfield - at least for now

Mario Balotelli has found himself increasingly alienated at Liverpool because of his attitude (Getty Images)

Mario Balotelli is undergoing a medical with AC Milan on Tuesday morning as the striker closes in on season-long loan move from Liverpool, the Serie A club announced.

Balotelli is set to return to the Rossoneri outfit a year after leaving the San Siro to join Liverpool in a £16million move.

A statement from Milan read: "At 8:26 this morning, Mario Balotelli has arrived to La Madonnina Clinic to undergo today's medical."

The 25-year-old mustered just four goals in his 29 appearances for the Reds and was left out of the pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia and has been training away from the first team.

Balotelli has reportedly taken a pay cut to return to Milan, where he scored 26 goals in 43 appearances after joining from Manchester City in January 2013.

It is understood that the deal, which will see Liverpool reportedly pay part of the player's wages, will not include a clause to make the Italy international's switch permanent next summer, hence Balotelli is expected to return to the Reds at the end of the campaign.

Milan, coached by Sinisa MIhajlovic, have thrown Balotelli a lifeline and hope the former Inter Milan player can help the club bounce back from two disappointing seasons.

The Rossoneri began the Serie A campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Fiorentina on Sunday and are without injured forward Jeremy Menez.

PA