Mario Balotelli ‘dreams’ of playing for Real Madrid despite Liverpool and AC

Diego Lopez won’t leave AC Milan in the January transfer window despite reported interest from Liverpool, according to the shot stopper’s agent.

The Italian completed a £16million move from Milan to Liverpool in the summer of 2014 but after a disappointing debut season he was sent back to his former side on a season-long loan.

The Rossoneri could not afford to pay Mario Balotelli’s full wages when taking him on loan from Liverpool in the summer, and sending Lopez in the opposite direction would allow the Italian club to sign the striker on a permanent basis.

The goalkeeper told Marca Plus: “He is a nice guy and a good player and you know what? His dream is to play for Real Madrid”.

Balotelli has made just four appearances on his return to Milan, scoring one goal and creating nine chances. The Italy worldwide managed 14 goals in his first full season, but a number of insipid performances saw him cut a dejected figure.

Balotelli will hope to return as soon as possible and start showing form for Milan, who now sit seventh in the Serie A table.

New manager Jurgen Klopp is yet to make a decision over Balotelli’s. The German has led the Reds to three successive wins.

Could the Liverpool-owned player be on his way to La Liga in the future?