Real Madrid Eyeing Eden Hazard Swoop If Cristiano Ronaldo Departs Next Summer
Real Madrid have shortlisted Eden Hazard as a potential candidate to sign if the European champions lose Cristiano Ronaldo next summer, the Star sensationally claims. Ronaldo's future has been questioned for several months, and reports have circulated recently that the player has again fallen out with club executives. This speculation has grown into rumour that the World Player of the Year will seek to leave the club next summer, with a return to Manchester United thought to be his favoured move.
In turn, Real could react by making a move for Chelsea star Hazard if Ronaldo's future in Madrid turns sour. Though a move is unlikely, Hazard is considered Real's primary target for the role to replace the Portuguese star.
Chelsea will not be keen to sell the player, but while demanding in the region of £60 million for Hazard they may even try their own luck in tempting Ronaldo away from the Bernabeu in return.
Hazard has been excellent since joining the Blues from Lille two summers ago, and was targeted by Paris Saint Germain earlier this summer. A move would only happen if Ronaldo were to leave. But new Manchester United midfielder Angel Di Maria put fuel on the fire that Ronaldo could follow him away from Mardid recently by stating: "I don't know how much longer Ronaldo can put up with it at Madrid. I get the impression that he is not very happy."
DEADLINE DAY COMPLETED DEALS
PREMIER LEAGUE
Sadio Mane - Red Bull Salzburg to Southampton (undisclosed)
Kevin Doyle – Wolves to Crystal Palace (loan)
Krisztian Adorjan – Liverpool to Novara Calcio (undisclosed)
Toby Alderweireld – Atletico Madrid to Southampton (loan)
Morgan Amalfitano – Marseille to West Ham (undisclosed)
Niko Kranjcar - Dynamo Kiev to QPR (season-long loan)
Alvaro Negredo – Manchester City to Valencia (season-long loan)
Oussama Assiadi – Liverpool to Stoke City (season-long loan)
Gaston Ramirez – Southampton to Hull City (season-long loan)
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa - Newcastle to Roma (season-long loan)
Sandro - Tottenham to QPR (undisclosed)
Micah Richards – Manchester City to Fiorentina (season-long loan)
James McArthur - Wigan Athletic to Crystal Palace (£7 million)
Ryo Miyaichi - Arsenal to FC Twente (season-long loan)
Zeki Fryers – Tottenham to Crystal Palace (£3 million)
Kris Scott – Swansea to Leicester (free)
Daley Blind - Ajax to Manchester United (£13.8 million)
Ricky Alvarez - Inter Milan to Sunderland (season-long loan)
Mohamed Diame - West Ham to Hull City (£3.5 million)
Sebastian Coates - Liverpool to Sunderland (season-long loan)
Lewis Holtby - Tottenham to Hamburg (season-long loan)
Abel Hernandez - Palermo to Hull City (£10 million)
Javier Hernandez - Man Utd to Real Madrid (season-long loan)
Brian Lenihan - Cork City to Hull City (undisclosed)
Karim El Ahmadi - Aston Villa to Feyenoord (undisclosed)
George Boyd - Hull City to Burnley (£3million)
Modou Barrow - Ostersunds FK to Swansea (undisclosed)
Modibo Diakite - Sunderland (released)
Tomislav Gomelt - Tottenham to Bari (loan)
Souleymane Coulibaly - Tottenham to Bari (undisclosed)
Marco van Ginkel - Chelsea to AC Milan (season-long loan)
Benjamin Stambouli - Montpellier to Tottenham (undisclosed)
Nathaniel Chalobah - Chelsea to Burnley (loan)
Valentin Roberge - Sunderland to Stade de Reims (season-long loan)
Jose Canas - Swansea to Espanyol (contract cancelled by mutual consent)
CHAMPIONSHIP
Tom Rosenthal – Watford to SV Zulte Waregem (undisclosed)
Vitalijs Maksimenko – Brighton to VVV-Venlo (season-long loan)
Glenn Murray - Crystal Palace to Reading (loan)
Louis Thompson – Swindon to Norwich (undisclosed and then loaned back for season)
Jos Hooiveld - Southampton to Norwich (loan)
Ryan Tunnicliffe – Fulham to Blackburn (loan)
Luciano Becchio – Norwich to Rotherham (loan)
Matt Smith – Leeds to Fulham (£500,000)
Emyr Huws – Manchester City to Wigan (undisclosed)
Jamal Blackman - Chelsea to Middlesbrough (loan)
Jason Steele – Middlesbrough to Blackburn (season-long loan)
Jonson Clarke-Harris - Oldham to Rotherham (undisclosed)
Mark Hudson – Cardiff to Huddersfield (undisclosed)
Danny Gabbidon – to Cardiff (free agent)
Ignasi Miquel - Arsenal to Norwich City (undisclosed)
Alex Kacaniklic - Fulham to FC Copenhagen (season-long loan)
William Kvist – Stuttgart to Wigan (free)
Betinho - Sporting Lisbon to Brentford (season-long loan)
Bruno Ecuele Manga – Lorient to Cardiff (£5 million)
Andrew Surman – Norwich to Bournemouth (undisclosed)
Yanic Wildschut - Heerenveen to Middlesbrough (undisclosed)
Shane Duffy - Everton to Blackburn Rovers (undisclosed)
Tom Koblenz - Hoffenheim to Derby (free)
Adam Forshaw - Brentford to Wigan (undisclosed)
Jelle Vossen - Racing Club Genk to Middlesbrough (loan)
Andy Delort - Tours to Wigan Athletic (undisclosed)
Royston Drenthe – Reading to Sheff Wed (loan)
Brian Montenegro - Nacional to Leeds (loan)
LEAGUE ONE
Carl Baker – Coventry to free (cancelled contract)
Frank Nouble - Ipswich to Coventry (loan)
Seb Hines – Middlesbrough to Coventry (loan)
Dominic Poleon – Leeds to Oldham (undisclosed)
Jack Stephens – Southampton to Swindon (loan)
Michael Tidser – Rotherham to Oldham (loan)
Luke James - Hartlepool to Peterborough (undisclosed)
Sam Clucas - Mansfield Town to Chesterfield (undisclosed)
Jack Price - Wolves to Yeovil (loan)
Jordan Cranston - Notts County (free agent)
Jonathan Obika - Tottenham Hotspur to Swindon (undisclosed)
Achille Campion - Norrby IF to Port Vale (loan)
Jack O'Connell - Blackburn to Rochdale (loan)
LEAGUE TWO
Peter Brezovan - Portsmouth to Tranmere (free)
Solomon Taiwo - Luton Town to Dover (loan)
Ricky Miller - Luton Town to Dover (loan)
Rakish Bingham - to Mansfield Town (free agent)
Ryan Cresswell - Fleetwood to Northampton (undisclosed)
Matt Hill - to Tranmere (free agent)
Stuart Beavon - Preston to Burton Albion (undisclosed)
Alex Bray - Swansea to Plymouth (loan)
Alex Nicholls - Northampton to Exeter City (loan)
Ryan Watson - Leicester to Northampton (loan)
George Donnelly - Rochdale to Tranmere (undisclosed)
Andy Procter - to Accrington Stanley (free agent)
Alfie Mawson - Brentford to Wycombe (loan extension)
Ryan Bird – Portsmouth to Cambridge (free)
SCOTLAND
Stefan Scepovic - Sporting Gijon to Celtic (£2 million)
Jackson Irvine - Celtic to Ross County (season-long loan)
Amido Balde - Celtic to Beveren (season-long loan)
Joe Shaughnessy - Aberdeen to Falkirk (loan)
Michael Gardyne - Dundee United to Ross County (loan)
Nathan Ecclestone - to Partick Thistle (free agent)
Gary Oliver - Hearts to Stenhousemuir (loan)
Dylan McGeouch - Celtic to Hibernian (loan)
Holmbert Fridjonsson - Celtic to Brondy (loan)
Teemu Pukki - Celtic to Brondby (loan)
Jake Sinclair - Southampton to Hibernian (loan)
Kyle Benedictus - Dundee to Alloa (loan)
Grant Adam - Dundee (contract cancelled)
Calum Gallacher - Rangers to Cowdenbeath (loan)
Barrie McKay - Rangers to Raith Rovers (loan)
Tom Walsh - Rangers to Stenhousemuir (loan)
Robbie Crawford - Rangers to Morton (loan)
Luca Gasparotto - Rangers to Airdrie (loan)
Danny Stoney - Rangers to Stranraer (loan)
Radamel Falcao available on loan for €20 million
Monaco's Radamel Falcao could receive several offers before the transfer window closes on Monday, as several sources have said that a number of elite European clubs are willing to take him on loan this season.
The Ligue 1 club are keen to get Falcao's high wages off the payroll due to a restructuring of the first team, and have offered him to some of the continent's biggest outfits.
So far, all of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus and Arsenal are contemplating signing the Colombian to solve their attacking issues.
Monaco have set a fee of 20 million euros to take Falcao on loan for a season.
Real are seen as the most likely destination given their long-term interest in the player, but they could yet face significant competition.
Chelsea were given a scare by Diego Costa's muscle injury in training on Wednesday, emphasising how limited their striking options are.
Jose Mourinho currently has too many foreign players in his squad for Premier League regulations, but the anticipated loans of Fernando Torres and Mario van Ginkel to AC Milan could finally free up space for the Portuguese to purchase the extra forward he has long sought.
Sources have stated Chelsea are also interested in Roma's Mattia Destro and Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani, but the complications involved in those purchases could mean Falcao represents an easier option, especially in the short term.
Arsenal have similar forward issues with Olivier Giroud's fractured tibia, but Arsene Wenger said "no" to questions over whether he would purchase the Colombian after their 1-0 victory over Besiktas.
Sources have stated that Arsenal are mulling a move, but the terms may still prove too expensive for them.
Man United to Complete Club Record Deal for di Maria
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a club record deal to sign Argentine winger Angel di Maria from Real Madrid, with the transfer set to be completed within the next week.
Breaking an exclusive on Sky Sports on Saturday night, trusted Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, sensationally revealed, "At long last there is significant movement in the seemingly never ending, ‘Will he stay or will he go’ saga of Angel di Maria."
Several days ago Real coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted the player had asked to leave the Bernabeu and Balague has now confirmed, "It now looks certain that he will leave Real Madrid and become a Manchester United player. The final meetings will take place at the beginning of next week."
It is suggested that United will pay "between €60-70 million" (around £48-55m) for the player. Balague also revealed that di Maria's agent, Jorge Mendes, is returning to Europe from a business trip in Singapore to finalise the deal.
In a further twist that will excite United fans even more, he also revealed, "So advanced, in fact, are the negotiations that it has already been agreed that di Maria will wear the number seven shirt. As soon as di Maria knew of Manchester United’s interest he was very excited about the possibility of coming to Old Trafford."
Ronaldo Talked Up United The offer made by United is said to have interested di Maria more than that of French champions Paris Saint-Germain, and the Old Trafford club were significantly talked up by Real team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Balague explained, "Firstly, United is a club with much more prestige throughout Europe, and secondly, it’s a new project where he knows he will be one of the leaders. Cristiano Ronaldo has also told him some great things about United and has succeeded in persuading him that it is a good option even though the club is not playing in Europe this season."
The 26-year-old, who helped Argentina to this summer's World Cup final in Brazil, is also said to be "excited about the prospect of working with manager Louis van Gaal".
"There is [an] agreement between the club and the player and it is expected that the announcement will soon be made official because the positions of the two clubs are thought to be very close. There is absolutely no chance of di Maria staying at Real Madrid, because despite just about everyone from all the players to the technical staff rating him very highly, Real Madrid have decided, primarily via their president Florentino Perez, that di Maria cannot carry on at the club."
Finally Balague added that di Maria "is very excited by the prospect (of joining United) and he is just the sort of player that Van Gaal is looking for."
transfer rumours
Manchester City have decided that £50m is too much to pay for Everton's Ross Barkley and so have given up trying to sign the youngster.
Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini is hoping James Milner will sign a new contract, but the Englishman does not seem to be in a hurry to do so. Defenders Micah Richards and Matija Nastasic are also likely to be leaving the Etihad soon with a host of clubs interested in the players.
As the signing of Mario Balotelli draws nearer, Liverpool have put an end to their interest in free agent Samuel Eto'o. Super Mario, however, will not be forced to sign a good behaviour clause as had been previously suggested.
Meanwhile, Samuel Eto'o has continued doing the rounds and is now said to be in talks with Everton, though his £100k a week wages will likely prove too high.
Manchester United are said to be very close to signing Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria for a British record fee of £56m.
The Red Devils are also reportedly persevering in their mission to sign Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal.
Meanwhile, Louis van Gaal is still interested in bringing Dutch internationals Nigel de Jong and Danny Blind to Old Trafford.
Chelsea veteran Petr Cech is said to be nearing an exit after losing his starting spot to youngster Thibaut Courtois.
Hull have had a £10m bid for Blackburn star Jordan Rhodes rejected after the Rovers stated the striker is not for sale.
Arsenal are said to be eyeing up Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld as a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen, but are still keeping tabs on Olympiakos defender Kostas Manolas as well.
QPR have been told by Reading that goalkeeper Alex McCarthy will cost them £8m.
Tottenham are reportedly willing to send Michael Dawson to QPR in a deal for Loic Remy.
Meanwhile, Spurs are also trying to secure the signing of Manchester United Striker Danny Welbeck for around £15m.
Out: Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City) Free; Bacary Sagna (Manchester City) Free; Chuks Aneke (Zuite Waregem) Free; Nicklas Bendtner Released; Chu-Young Park Released; Wellington Silva (Almeria) Loan; Thomas Eisfeld (Fulham) Undisclosed; Carl Jenkinson (West Ham) Loan; Benik Afobe (MK Dons) Loan; Johan Djourou (Hamburg) Undisclosed; Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona) £15 million; Jon Toral (Brentford) Loan.
Aston Villa
In: Tom Leggett (Southampton) Undisclosed; Isaac Nehemie (Southampton) Undisclosed; Philippe Senderos (Valencia) Free; Joe Cole (West Ham) Free; Kieran Richardson (Fulham) Free; Aly Cissokho (Valencia) Undisclosed; Carlos Sanchez (Elche) Undisclosed
Out: Marc Albrighton (Leicester City) Free; Nathan Delfouneso Released; Jed Steer (Doncaster Rovers) Loan; Antonio Luna (Verona) Loan; Yacouba Sylla (Erciyesspor) Loan; Samir Carruthers (MK Dons) Undisclosed; Daniel Johnson (Chesterfield) Loan; Aleksandar Tonev (Celtic) Loan; Janoi Donacien (Tranmere Rovers) Loan
Burnley
In: Michael Kightly (Stoke City) Undisclosed; Matt Gilks (Unattached) Free; Marvin Sordell (Bolton Wanderers) Undisclosed; Matt Taylor (West Ham United) Free; Steven Reid (West Bromwich Albion) Free; Lukas Jutkiewicz (Middlesbrough) Undisclosed
Out: David Edgar Released; Brian Stock Released; Keith Treacy Released; Nick Liversedge Released; Junior Stanislas Released; Chris Baird (West Bromwich Albion) Free
Chelsea
In: Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona) Undisclosed; Mario Pasalic (Hajduk Split) Undisclosed; Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid) Undisclosed; Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid) Undisclosed; Didier Drogba (Galatasaray) Free
Out: Tomas Kalas (Cologne) Loan; Ashley Cole (Roma) Free; Samuel Eto'o Released; Henrique Hilario Released; Sam Hutchinson Released; Frank Lampard Released; Demba Ba (Besiktas) Undisclosed; Mario Pasalic (Elche) Loan; Lucas Piazon (Eintracht Frankfurt) Loan; Patrick van Aanholt (Leicester City) Undisclosed; Ryan Bertrand (Southampton) Loan; Romelu Lukaku (Everton) £28 million; Gael Kakuta (Rayo Vallecano) Loan; John Swift (Rotherham United) Loan; Oriel Romeu (Stuttgart) Loan; Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough) Loan; David Luiz (Paris Saint-Germain) Undisclosed; Christian Atsu (Everton) Loan; Victor Moses (Stoke City) Loan; Marko Marin (Fiorentina) Loan; Josh McEachran (Loan)
Crystal Palace
In: Chris Kettings (Blackpool) Free; Frazier Campbell (Cardiff City) Undisclosed; Brede Hangeland (Fulham) Free; Martin Kelly (Liverpool) Undisclosed
Out: Neil Alexander Released; Kagisho Dikgacoi (Cardiff City) Free; Daniel Gabbidon Released; Dean Moxey Released; Jonathan Parr Released; Aaron Wilbraham Released; Jose Campana (Sampdoria) Undisclosed; Jack Hunt (Nottingham Forest) Loan; Steven Dobbie (Fleetwood Town) Loan
Everton
In: Gareth Barry (Manchester City) Free; Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros) Undisclosed; Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea) £28 million; Brendan Galloway (MK Dons) Undisclosed; Christian Atsu (Chelsea) Loan
Out: Mason Springthorpe Released; Apostolos Vellios Released; John Lundstram (Blackpool) Loan; Matthew Kennedy (Hibernian) Loan
Hull City
In: Jake Livermore (Tottenham Hotspur) Undisclosed; Robert Snodgrass (Norwich City) Undisclosed; Tom Ince (Blackpool) Free
Out: Joe Dudgeon Released; Abdoulaye Faye Released; Matty Fryatt Nottingham Forest (Free); Conor Henderson Released; Eldin Jakupovic Released; Robert Koren Released; Shane Long (Southampton) Undisclosed
Leicester City
In: Jack Barmby (Manchester United) Free; Matthew Upson (Brighton and Hove Albion) Free; Ben Hamer (Charlton Athletic) Free; Marc Albrighton (Aston Villa) Free; Leonardo Ulloa (Brighton) Undisclosed; Patrick van Aanholt (Chelsea) Undisclosed
Out: George Taft (Burton Albion) Free; Lloyd Dyer (Watford) Free; Marko Futacs Released
Liverpool
In: Rickie Lambert (Southampton) Undisclosed; Adam Lallana (Southampton) Undisclosed; Emre Can (Bayer Leverkusen) Undisclosed; Lazar Markovic (Benfica) Undisclosed; Dejan Lovren (Southampton) £20 million; Javier Manquillo (Atletico Madrid) Loan; Alberto Moreno (Sevilla) Undisclosed
Out: Luis Alberto (Malaga) Loan; Michael Ngoo Released; Stephen Sama Released; Luis Suarez (Barcelona) Undisclosed; Iago Aspas (Sevilla) Loan; Andre Wisdom (West Brom) Loan; Pepe Reina (Bayern Munich) Undisclosed; Brad Smith (Swindon Town) Loan; Connor Coady (Huddersfield Town) Undisclosed; Martin Kelly (Crystal Palace) Undisclosed; Joao Carlos (Brighton) Loan; Thiago Ilori (Bordeaux) Loan
Manchester City
In: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) Free; Fernando (Porto) Undisclosed; Willy Caballero (Malaga) Undisclosed; Frank Lampard (New York City FC) Loan; Bruno Zuculini (Racing Club) Undisclosed; Eliaquim Mangala (Porto) Undisclosed
Out: Costel Pantilimon (Sunderland) Free; Gareth Barry Released; Joleon Lescott (West Brom) Free; Alex Nimely Released; Marcos Lopes (Lille) Loan; Gareth Barry (Everton) Free; Emyr Huws (Wigan) Loan; Jack Rodwell (Sunderland) Undisclosed; Jason Denayer (Celtic) Loan; Greg Leigh (Crewe Alexandra) Loan; Javi Garcia (Zenit) Undisclosed; Karim Rekik (PSV) Loan.
Manchester United
In: Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao) Undisclosed; Luke Shaw (Southampton) Undisclosed; Vanja Milinkovic (FK Vojvodina) Undisclosed
Out: Federico Macheda (Cardiff City) Free; Jack Barmby (Leicester City) Free; Rio Ferdinand Released; Ryan Giggs Retired; Nemanja Vidic (Inter Milan) Free; Alexander Buttner (Dynamo Moscow) Undisclosed; Patrice Evra (Juventus) £1.2 million; Bebe (Benfica) Undisclosed; Angelo Henriquez (Dinamo Zagreb) Loan
Out: Andy Robinson (Bolton Wanderers) Free; Tom Leggett (Aston Villa) Undisclosed; Isaac Nehemie (Aston Villa) Undisclosed; Danny Fox (Nottingham Forest) Free; Lee Barnard Released; Guly do Prado Released; Jonathan Forte Released; Rickie Lambert (Liverpool) Undisclosed; Luke Shaw (Manchester United) Undisclosed; Adam Lallana (Liverpool) Undisclosed; Calum Chambers (Arsenal) Undisclosed; Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (Inter) Loan; Jordan Turnbull (Swindon Town) Loan; Billy Sharp (Leeds United) Undisclosed
Stoke City
In: Phil Bardsley (Sunderland) Free; Steve Sidwell (Fulham) Free; Mame Biram Diouf (Hannover) Free; Dionatan Teixeira (Banska Bystrica) Undisclosed; Bojan Krkic (Barcelona) Undisclosed; Santiago Vergini (Estudiantes) Loan; Victor Moses (Chelsea) Loan
Out: Juan Agudelo Released; Matthew Etherington Released; Michael Kightly (Burnley) Undisclosed; Jamie Ness (Crewe) Loan.
Sunderland
In: Jordi Gomez (Wigan Athletic) Free; Billy Jones (West Bromwich Albion) Free; Costel Pantilimon (Manchester City) Free; Jack Rodwell (Manchester City) Undisclosed; Santiago Vergini (Estudiantes) Loan; Will Buckley (Brighton) £2.5 million
Out: Billy Knott (Bradford City) Free; Phil Bardsley (Stoke City) Free; Craig Gardner (West Bromwich Albion) Free; Carlos Cuellar Released; Andrea Dossena Released; John Egan Released; Oscar Ustari Released; David Vaughan Released; Kieren Westwood Released; Jack Colback (Newcastle United) Free; El-Hadj Ba (Bastia) Loan; David Moberg-Karlsson (FC Nordsjaelland) Undisclosed
In: Craig Gardner (Sunderland) Free; Joleon Lescott (Man City) Free; Chris Baird (Burnley) Free; Sebastien Pocognoli (Hannover) Undisclosed; Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev) Undisclosed; Andre Wisdom (Liverpool) Loan; Jason Davidson (Heracles) Undisclosed; Cristian Gamboa (Rosenborg) Undisclosed
Out: Billy Jones (Sunderland) Free; Scott Allan Released; Nicolas Anelka Released; Cameron Gayle Released; Zoltan Gera Released; Diego Lugano Released; Liam Ridgewell Released; Steven Reid (Burnley) Free; George Thorne (Derby) Undisclosed; Donervon Daniels (Blackpool) Loan
Out: Joe Cole (Aston Villa) Free; Jack Collison Released; Callum Driver Released; George McCartney Released; Jordan Spence Released; Matt Taylor (Burnley) Free; George Moncur (Colchester United) Loan
liverpool want balotelli clause
Liverpool want assurances that striker Mario Balotelli will behave himself before they will commit themselves to signing him from AC Milan.
Balotelli is set for a move to Anfield after the two clubs agreed a 16 million pounds fee on Thursday, but the Reds have told him he must agree to clean up his act if the deal is to be completed, sources have told ESPN FC.
Liverpool are ready to insist that stringent behaviour clauses are written into Balotelli's contract.
Chief executive Ian Ayre held talks in Liverpool on Thursday with Mino Raiola, the forward's agent, and those were continuing on Friday. Balotelli has yet to arrive in the UK, and there is currently no timetable for him to fly in from Italy.
Liverpool initially approached Milan about the possibility of taking Balotelli on loan, but discussions hit a buffer as the Serie A club rejected the idea of a break clause in the deal if the striker misbehaved.
But the Reds were willing to meet Milan's asking price of 16 million pounds to buy the player -- significantly less than the 25 million pounds that clubs were being quoted earlier in the summer.
That has cleared the way for Balotelli to return to England, having spent two-and-a-half years at Manchester City after joining from Inter Milan in July 2010.
His time at City was also affected by controversy, including incidents in which fireworks were set off in his bathroom and he threw a dart at a youth-team player, in addition to a public fall-out with manager Roberto Mancini.
However, he helped City end a 35-year wait for a trophy as they lifted the FA Cup in 2011, then set up Sergio Aguero's stoppage-time winner against QPR on the final day of the following Premier League season as the club became champions of England for the first time since 1968.
The 24-year-old was unable to help Italy beyond the group stage at this year's World Cup in Brazil, although he did score the winner as they beat England 2-1 in their opening match.
Glenn Hayes, an employment law partner at national law firm, Irwin Mitchell, said in a press release: "Balotelli is clearly a world-class player and if Liverpool completes the deal they will of course be hoping that the player performs well on and off the pitch.
"His past record does suggest that there is potential for future misbehaviour and Liverpool will, I expect, be ensuring that they protect themselves.
"There are a number of non-standard options that the club has and I would not be surprised if they were written into his contract.
"The key will be for Liverpool to define the parameters for what will constitute bad behaviour. This is particularly important in an industry which seemingly often makes its own rules, and where general employment law principles are often overlooked."
No Liverpool move for Rossi
The agent of Giuseppe Rossi has dismissed reports linking the Fiorentina striker with a move to Liverpool.
It had been suggested that Rossi, who began his senior career at Manchester United, was among Brendan Rodgers’ striking targets this summer after Loic Remy’s move from QPR collapsed.
The 27-year-old hit 16 goals in 22 Serie A appearances last season despite spending large parts of the campaign sidelined with injury, but is said to have a release clause of £28million.
Rossi has another three years remaining on his current deal with Fiorentina and agent Andrea Pastorello insisted there had been no interest from Liverpool.
"There is nothing to comment because there is nothing between Giuseppe Rossi and Liverpool," he told Tuttomercato.web.
"This is something that comes from the English sites but I don't know anything about it. Besides, there are good relations with Liverpool, so they would have called me if they wanted Rossi.
"But, seriously, we're talking about something that does not exist."
Long joins Southampton
Southampton have signed striker Shane Long from Hull City for a fee of £12 million, on a four-year deal.
Long joins Southampton just seven months after joining Hull in a £6.5million deal from West Bromwich Albion.
Saints manager Ronald Koeman said: “Shane is a very good player. As a striker, he’s different to Graziano Pellè, which is something we needed.
“He brings ambition and a great mentality – he’s always running and always working, and he’s very down-to-earth. He’s a great person, and we need that type of player.
“He brings a lot of experience to our squad because he’s already played at Premier League level for a few years. He knows what we need at this level, and he can show that to our younger players as well.
“Shane will be an important player for us and our future.”
Long said: “I’m delighted. This came out of the blue for me but, once I’d come and had a look at the training facilities and met the manager, it seemed like the right decision for me and my family.
“It was a hard decision for me to make, but when you come down to Southampton you see how big a club it is and how well set up it is.
“You look at how well they did last season and they are developing a new squad for this year to try and achieve those accomplishments again, and hopefully I can be a big part of that.
“Southampton play a brand of football that’s enjoyable to watch, and I’m sure it will be enjoyable to play in as well. I think the formation they play will suit me, and the manager has a lot of knowledge about football and I’m looking to learn off him.
“In theory it’s a very good move for me, but all the hard work starts tomorrow when I get on the training pitch because I have to prove my worth.”
Hull boss Steve Bruce said he was not looking to offload the Republic of Ireland striker, who scored four times in 17 appearances, but said Southampton's offer was too good to turn down.
Bruce said: “Myself and the owners didn’t want to lose Shane but we accept it’s a very good offer, especially when you consider what we paid in January."
Hull wished the 27-year-old good luck by posting a message on their website saying: "We would like to place on record our thanks to Shane for his service and wish him well for the future."
transfer talk
Manchester United are closing in on a double defender swoop for Sporting Lisbon's Marcos Rojo and Ajax's Daley Blind.
Arsene Wenger wants to bolster his Arsenal squad with Olympiacos defender Kostas Manolas.
Arsenal are also preparing an £8million bid for Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote.
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has been told he must quit Old Trafford after making just six league starts last season by Mexico coach Miguel Herrera.
Everton have agreed in principle to sign Ghana World Cup winger Christian Atsu on loan from Chelsea for the upcoming season.
Crystal Palace are confident of sealing the return of former Eagle Wilfried Zaha from Manchester United, either on loan or in a permanent deal.
Hull have accepted a £12million offer from Southampton for Shane Long.
Colombia international Carlos Sanchez will fly in to join Aston Villa from Spain's Elche before the start of the season.
Crystal Palace want Connor Wickham, but Sunderland will only sell the forward if they can tie up the signing of Fabio Borini from Liverpool.
Cardiff will move for Liverpool defender Tiago Ilori on loan if Manchester United don't let them borrow Michael Keane.
Alvaro Negredo is set to be left out of Manchester City's Champions League squad.
Wayne Rooney has been named as Manchester United captain.
David Silva believes he can finally complete his glittering medal collection after signing a new deal at Manchester City.
Louis van Gaal got off to a winning start at Old Trafford - free from the spectre of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Swansea and West Brom are competing for Algeria World Cup star Hassan Yebda.
West Ham are set to sign former West Brom ace Morgan Amalfitano from Marseille.
Manchester United have revived their interest in £50million-rated Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria, launched a bid for Sporting Lisbon defender Marcos Rojo and are keen on Ajax utility player Daley Blind.
Southampton have had a £12million bid accepted for Hull striker Shane Long.
Olympiakos want striker Nicklas Bendtner, who is a free agent after leaving Arsenal.
Manchester United have made a £16 million bid for Argentina's World Cup left-back Marcos Rojo - who has told Sporting Lisbon he wants to leave for Old Trafford.
Gary Neville claims it is fantasy football to think Manchester United will reclaim the Premier League this season.
Everton and Southampton both want Parma winger Jonathan Biabiany.
Manchester United have tabled a £16 million bid for Argentina and Sporting Lisbon star Marcos Rojo.
Louis van Gaal insists Manchester United are far from the finished article - despite making a winning start on his home debut as boss.
Liverpool defender Martin Kelly is today set to complete a surprise £1.5m switch to Crystal Palace.
Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc is likely to quit following the £10million signing of Fraser Forster.
FIFA have been asked to investigate Michel Vorm's move from Swansea to Tottenham.
Wayne Rooney was confirmed as Manchester United's new captain by Louis van Gaal last night - and England boss Roy Hodgson is set to follow the Dutchman's lead.
Tottenham are considering a move for Queens Park Rangers striker Loic Remy, with Andros Townsend potentially moving in the opposite direction.
Tottenham are willing to listen to offers for an entire team's worth of players, including Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend, in their desperate attempt to cut down the size of Mauricio Pochettino's squad.
Tottenham are preparing a new move to buy midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, despite Southampton's insistence he will not be sold.
Tottenham sign Yedlin
Tottenham have secured the signing of USA international defender DeAndre Yedlin from the Seattle Sounders.
The 21-year-old signed his four-year contract on Wednesday having passed a medical at the weekend - but will remain playing in the MLS season before joining the Premier League club for the 2015/16 season.
A Tottenham tweet read: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Seattle Sounders for the transfer of DeAndre Yedlin."
Yedlin impressed at the World Cup as USA reached the knockout stages and further caught the eye of Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino in the 3-3 friendly draw with Seattle earlier this summer.
Yedlin told the club's website: "I’m very excited to come to the Premier League and challenge myself against some of the best players in the world.
"The facilities are the best in Europe, if not the world. It’s a great team. I’m very excited. It’s a great team with a new coach and a style that suits the way I play. That’s a big reason I made the decision."
He has seven caps for the USA under former Spurs striker Jurgen Klinsmann and has played 42 times in MLS for Seattle.
He made three appearances for the USA at the World Cup, in group games against Portugal and Germany and in their last-16 defeat to Belgium.
In another tweet on the club's Twitter account, Yedlin added: "I’ve talked to Jurgen Klinsmann a lot about this move and he supports it, which was one of the big reasons behind the decision."
The MLS regular season finishes on October 20, when the Sounders face LA Galaxy, before a post-season play-off that concludes with the final in December.
Moreno arrives in Liverpool
Sevilla defender Alberto Moreno has arrived in Liverpool to discuss terms and undergo a medical ahead of a proposed £12m move to Anfield.
The Spain international, who came through his hometown club’s youth system, is now set to become Brendan Rodgers' eighth summer signing.
Sevilla had insisted that Moreno was going nowhere unless their 20 million euro asking price was met with manager Unai Emery insisting on Monday that he would play in the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid.
Moreno was pulled from his side's starting line-up to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup in Cardiff on Tuesday night and made a tearful farewell to fans and team-mates after the 2-0 defeat at the Millennium Stadium.
"I am living a strange situation because I'm leaving the club of my life," Moreno said.
"I was always aware of the two teams (trying) to agree. I never got into that but Sevilla have understood that Liverpool's offer was good and I am going.
"(I have) many feelings together. What happened on the pitch, with the fans, will remain forever etched on me and I could not help but mourn (his departure) because I did not expect it.
"First came the parting with colleagues, then with the fans... all very complicated.
"Liverpool are a great team and of course I'm super-motivated. I hope things go well."
Liverpool announced that a deal had been agreed with Sevilla for the left-back by issuing a statement on their website.
It read: "Liverpool can confirm they have reached an agreement with Sevilla for the transfer of Spain international full-back Alberto Moreno.
"The Reds will proceed with the formalities of finalising the deal for the 22-year-old over the coming days and will make no further announcement until it is complete."
Kompany commits to City
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has signed a new five-year deal, tying him to the club until 2019.
The 28-year-old joins Aleksandar Kolarov, Samir Nasri and David Silva in committing his future to the Barclays Premier League champions ahead of the start of their title defence.
Kompany has been a central part of City's success since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in 2008 from Hamburg, twice being part of a title-winning side.
And the Belgium international is looking forward to tasting more success with City, as he told the club's official website: “When I arrived in 2008, I could never have dreamed that we could achieve what we have over the last six years but, for me, this is just the start of the journey.
“This team is stronger now than it’s ever been; we have competition for places in every position and a dressing room full of exceptional, motivated people who want to continue making history together.
“Lifting two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Capital One Cup have been four of the best days of my life but I believe that there are many more of these occasions ahead.
“We have a common goal and so much to look forward to - a family of clubs, the opening of City Football Academy, exciting players coming through our youth system – why would I go anywhere else?”
• Rumour of the day: Tottenham will offer Nacer Chadli to Southampton in part-exchange for midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin. (Sun)
• Long shot of the day: Liverpool are set to make a £5 million bid for Barcelona's Brazilian full-back Dani Alves. (Mundodeportivo)
• Done deal Manchester City are set to finally complete the transfer of France defender Eliaquim Mangala for £32 million from Porto. (Manchester Evening News)
Arsene Wenger wants to be kept informed about the availability of Mats Hummels with Arsenal ready to challenge Manchester United for the signature of the Germany World Cup winner. (Mirror)
Arsenal are closing in on a £16 million deal for Porto's Colombian starJuan Quintero. (Mail)
Arsenal want to sign Alvaro Arbeloa from Real Madrid if Thomas Vermaelen leaves for Manchester United. (Express)
Quintero's arrival could open the door for Santi Cazorla to leave. The Spaniardis a target for Atletico Madrid. Mail)
Sami Khedira Arsenal transfer edges closer as Real Madrid favour sale this summer rather than lose him for nothing next year. (Mirror)
Arsenal are closing in on a £19.7 million deal for Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Douglas Costa. (Caught Offside)
Paul Lambert wants to sign Chelsea winger Victor Moses on loan for the season. (Telegraph)
Tottenham are considering a move for Villa defender Ron Vlaar and could use midfielder Lewis Holtby as a makeweight for a potential deal. (Mail)
Aleksandar Tonev and Antonio Luna look set to have played their last games for Aston Villa after they were left out of the club's tour of America. (Mirror)
Everton have joined Villa and Celtic in enquiring about Chelsea'sChristian Atsu, who was farmed out to Vitesse Arnhem in Holland last term, on loan. (Mail)
Villa are keen on Swansea midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng and could tie up a deal this week. (Express)
West Ham are plotting a bid for midfielder Fabian Delph. (Mirror)
Burnley have joined the race to sign striker Troy Deeney, but Watford are holding out for £10m. (Mail)
Burnley make improved £3m offer for West Brom defender Craig Dawson. (Mail)
Steven Reid has joined Burnley on a free transfer to become the promoted club's fifth summer signing. (ESPN)
Burnley have announced the signings of Marvin Sordell from Bolton and West Ham's Matt Taylor. (Mirror)
Burnley's hopes of reviving a deal to sign Craig Bryson have been hit by the news he is now in talks over extending his stay at Derby. (Clubcall)
Nicklas Bendtner is wanted by four Premier League clubs after being ditched by Arsenal. Leicester City, Burnley, Crystal Palace and Hull City are all keen. (Sun)
Mauricio Isla's move from Juventus to QPR is in doubt after the Chile defender delayed his trip to London. (Mail)
QPR are interested in taking Chile World Cup star Mauricio Isla on loan from Juventus. (Mail)
Harry Redknapp hopes to sign former West Brom midfielder Morgan Amalfitano from Marseille. (Mail)
QPR are considering making an incredible move to sign Brazil legendRonaldinho on a free transfer. (Express)
Harry Redknapp is a fan of Carlos Sanchez, a player known as 'The Rock', and is aiming to bring the Colombian to the club for £4m. (Mirror)
QPR will also battle with West Ham for the services of Marseille'sMathieu Valbuena after France midfielder rejected a possible move to Dynamo Moscow. (L'Equipe)
Tottenham will offer Nacer Chadli to Southampton in part-exchange for midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin. (Sun)
Ronald Koeman wants to sign Manchester United's teenage wingerDemetri Mitchell on loan. (Mirror)
Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc has emerged as an unlikely target for German champions Bayern Munich. (Telegraph)
Southampton gave competition from Inter Milan in their attempts to sign Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez. (Mail)
Southampton have been told to up their initial £11m bid to £16m if they are to land Argentine starlet Marcos Rojo. (Express)
Boss Ronald Koeman is looking to launch his own summer raid with a possible double swoop for midfielder Serge Gnabry and full-back Carl Jenkinson. (Star)
Sunderland are in talks with Lazio over Belgium defender Luis Pedro Cavanda as struggles to land Marcos Alonso continue. (Mail)
Sunderland will consider taking Fabio Borini on a season's loan as the Liverpool striker stalls over making a permanent move away from Anfield. (Express)
The north east club have upped their bid to £2.5m plus Modibo Diakite for Fiorentina left-back Marcos Alonso, who was on loan last season at The Stadium of Light. (Mail)
Sunderland have made an enquiry for Atletico Madrid winger Cristian Rodriquez. (Mail)
The Black Cats deny making a bid for USA and Kansas City defenderMatt Besler. (The Journal)
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce wants to sign Wilfried Zaha from Manchester United. (Mail)
Sam Allardyce will target Sunderland's Connor Wickham as a replacement for the injured Andy Carroll. (Telegraph)
West Ham are set to turn to Peter Crouch to solve their striker problems after Samuel Eto'o priced himself out of a move to Upton Park. (Star)
West Ham will battle with QPR for the services of Marseille's Mathieu Valbuena after France midfielder rejected a possible move to Dynamo Moscow. (L'Equipe)
West Ham have also held talks with Besiktas striker Hugo Almeida. (Times)
Andy Carroll's ankle injury means Newcastle United will not attempt to bring the 25-year-old back to St James' Park. (Newcastle Chronicle)