Mario Balotelli to Liverpool: Jamie Carragher says AC Milan striker still has much to prove

The Italy international is understood to be closing in on a transfer to Anfield

Mario Balotelli posed for this selfie during AC Milan's 5-1 defeat to Manchester City (Twitter/@NA_B52)

The proposed transfer of Mario Balotelli to Liverpool could sees the Reds replacing one difficult striker with another, according to Jamie Carragher.

Amid widespread reports that the Reds are in talks with AC Milan over the striker's transfer, Sky Italia have quoted the Italy international as saying: "This is my last day at Milan".

Brendan Rodgers has been seeking to boost his attacking options following the departure of Luis Suarez and has been linked with a host of names.

It now appears Balotelli will be the player charged with filling Suarez's boots at Anfield - but apart from hopefully bringing goals - he might bring some other baggage - just as Suarez did.

“Brendan has had plenty of practice with Luis I suppose," Carragher told Sky Sports, before adding that Balotelli has more to prove than the recently departed Uruguayan.

“The main thing for any player is what they do on the pitch. Both of those players had issues off the pitch, but I think it’s fair to say Suarez did a lot more on the pitch.

“You will always get a little bit more freedom if you’re producing on the pitch, that’s the main thing for any player.

“Balotelli is a player who has been here before and did a lot of stuff that was good for us in the media. He probably didn’t quite show his potential at Manchester City and that, coupled with his off-the field problems, probably saw him depart.

“He’s the Italian number one striker and you want to see good players here. Liverpool do need a striker.”

Liverpool are thought to be offering AC Milan around £17.5m for the striker and if the deal is completed swiftly, it's possible he could make his debut on Monday night against former club Manchester City.