Newcastle United have been linked with a shock move to bring Mario Balotelli back to the Premier League with his form in Ligue 1 collapsing.
One major step forward has preceded two steps back for Mario Balotelli.
The penny appeared to have dropped at last for the now 28-year-old striker last season as he scored 26 goals in 38 games for Ligue 1 outfit Nice; the most prolific campaign of a mercurial and erratic career.
But, since Patrick Vieira took over at Nice, Balotelli has once again took on the role of ‘enfant terrible’. He has failed to score in 10 league games with his form collapsing.
As a result, L’Equipe has reported on Tuesday that the Riviera club could now decide to terminate his contract with immediate effect, which would allow him to join another team as a free agent.
Now, the Mirror reports that a sensational return to the Premier League could be on the cards, with Newcastle United interested in recruiting the maverick Italian.
With funds tight at St James’ Park as long as Mike Ashley remains at the helm, the prospect of signing a player with Balotelli’s talent for absolutely nothing appeals to manager Rafa Benitez for obvious reasons.
Balotelli blew hot and cold during spells at Manchester City and Liverpool but it is not often a striker of his calibre becomes available for free. He might just be worth the risk.
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