Report: Sassuolo reject Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli's hopes of leaving Liverpool have been dealt a blow after Sassuolo reportedly opted against signing the Italian.

The 26-year-old scored just a single goal in his debut campaign with the Reds, while a loan back at AC Milan last season proved to be equally unfruitful.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Neroverdi head coach Eusebio Di Francesco - who is planning for his side's first ever Europa League campaign - has turned down Liverpool's offer of taking Balotelli on.

Fellow Serie A outfit Chievo are reportedly hopeful of reaching an agreement with the Merseyside side over the former Inter Milan and Manchester City man.