Mario Balotelli is going nowhere this summer and will be playing for Liverpool next season, says agent Mino Raiola

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Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli will remain at the club next season, according to his agent Mino Raiola.

The Italy international's first season after a £16million move from AC Milan was a flop with just four goals - only one of which came in the Barclays Premier League - and he was top of a list of names the club reportedly wanted to offload this summer.

However, Raiola insists the 24-year-old is staying where he is.

Mario Balotelli takes a picture on the pitch after his side's game with Crystal Palace at Anfield

Balotelli did not feature in Liverpool's last four games with his last appearance coming against Hull in April 

Mario Balotelli chats with Dejan Lovren (left) and Kolo Toure during training at Melwood earlier this month 

'We have talks with Liverpool and he will stay,' he told Sky Sports.

'I spoke many times with the club and they were happy with his input as a professional.'

Asked whether the striker and manager Brendan Rodgers had adapted to each other over the course of the season, Raiola added: 'I think Mario did, I cannot talk for Brendan Rodgers.

'Obviously we're pretty confident it'll happen next year.'

Balotelli did not feature in Liverpool's final four matches of the season with his last appearance in the 1-0 defeat at Hull signifying the end of their challenge for Champions League qualification.

Balotelli scores his only goal in the Premier League this season against Tottenham in February