Mario Balotelli has been reportedly left out of Liverpool squad on a pre-season trip to Finland.

The decision affirms speculations that the club are keen on his sale as Manager Brendan Rodgers looks to clear his team of fringe players. Liverpool had already indicated that they were prepared to listen to offers for Balotelli, who has attracted confirmed interest from Sampdoria and Bologna, as well as being linked with their Serie A rivals Lazio.

Balotelli was also omitted from the squad for their recent tour of the Far East and Australia.

The Italian striker is only 11 months into the three-year deal he signed when joining Liverpool from AC Milan for £16m last August. He scored four goals last season and frustrated Rodgers with a series of disappointing performances.