Liverpool will NOT sign Mario Balotelli in time for Man City return

Mario Balotelli is on the verge of joining Liverpool from AC Milan [AP]

Liverpool have had a £16million bid for the Italy striker accepted by AC Milan.

But Prompt Sport understands the Reds will persist upon contractual guarantees from the mercurial 24-year-ancient before critical ahead with the go.

Kop boss Brendan Rodgers is set to meet Balotelli today to lay down the law before any transfer goes through.

And such stipulations mean there is no chance Balotelli’s stunning switch will be completed in time for the noon registration deadline in order for him to face former club City.

Premier League rules persist that any new signings must be sealed by midday today to be eligible for the weekend’s games.

That has all but finished any hopes of Balotelli making his debut for Liverpool at the Etihad.

Balotelli left City 18 months ago in a £19m deal to head back to Serie A with Milan.

But now it appears that the eccentric Italian is poised to restore to the Premier League, although not in time for a blockbuster reunion with his former employers.