Liverpool eye swoop for Arsenal target Mario Balotelli if Luis Suarez is sold to Barcelona

BRENDAN RODGERS is lining up a stunning bid to snatch Mario Balotelli from Arsenal's clutches if Liverpool decide to sell Luis Suarez.

Brendan Rodgers has placed Mario Balotelli at the top of his list to replace Luis Suarez[GETTY]

Disgraced Uruguay striker Suarez is on the verge of joining the Catalan club with Barcelona chief Andoni Zubizarreta publicly praising the striker.

According to Tuttosport, Balotelli is the man Rodgers believes can fill Suarez's boots. 

The Italian hot-shot is one of the most sought-after players in Europe with Arsenal, Tottenham, Napoli and Fiorentina chasing the striker. 

Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola, has hinted that Balotelli is keen to return back to England. 

He said: "Maybe it was a mistake to bring Mario back to Italy.

"For him it is essential to go where he is loved, and at AC Milan some people love him and some do not."