MARIO BALOTELLI HAHAHA

BALOTELLI OFF?
That's the talk in Friday's papers after Brendan Rodgers failed to give the striker his full backing.According to several reports, Balotelli will be given two months to prove his worth at Liverpool - just two months after joining the club.

The 24-year-old has managed only one goal in ten appearances so far and could be shipped out if his performances don't improve sharpish.

It looks doomed already.


LIVERPOOL EYE ABATE
Liverpool are eyeing AC Milan right-back Ignazio Abate as a possible replacement for Glen Johnson, who isn't expected to sign a new contract before his current deal expires in June.

According to the Mirror, Brendan Rodgers has identified a number of targets to fill the position, with Crystal Palace's Joel Ward also on his list.

Abate will be available on a free transfer next summer, but could move to Anfield in January for a cut-price fee.

The 27-year-old has the second-highest number of assists in Serie A this year (four) behind Lazio winger Antonio Candreva.


CECH OUT?
That's the word on talkSPORT, who claim the keeper is set to join former teammate Demba Ba at Besiktas. 

The Turkish club are thought to be leading the race for the 32-year-old, and his agent says a transfer is possible.

"We have not held talks yet. However, Chelsea have recently made an agreement with Besiktas. Chelsea have similar deals with Vitesse and other clubs," said Mithat Halis.

"If Cech does become available Besiktas would become a potential destination."

Monaco are also interested.


ROBBEN RULES OUT ENGLAND
Quick line from the mouth of Arjen Robben now, who says he won't be returning to England in the near future.

The Dutch winger was linked with a move to Man United in the summer, where he would team up with former coach Louis van Gaal, but he's content to stay at Bayern Munich for now.

"It cannot be better than it is at the moment, so you don't need to have thoughts about other clubs and other leagues," Robben told The Telegraph. 

"If you see me again in three years in the Premier League, then who knows, but at the moment, there is not even one per cent of me thinking about going to England or anywhere."


AND THE REST
Bayer Leverkusen winger Karim Bellarabi has been watched by scouts from both Manchester clubs, as well as Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs and Newcastle...Arsene Wenger has issued a hands-off warning over Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski...Gonzalo Higuain is ready to reject the opportunity to replace Mario Balotelli at Liverpool and isn't interested in a move to Arsenal either...Real Madrid want Manchester United to lower their £17million asking price for Javier Hernandez...Adel Taarabt may have talked his way into the QPR team. He trained with the first team on Wednesday after his public spat with Harry Redknapp...Paul Pogba will snub a return to Manchester United and a move to Chelsea by signing a new contract with Juventus.