MAD MARIO HAS NO JAN ESCAPE PLAN Agent says Balo stays until summer

LIVERPOOL flop Mario Balotelli is not looking for a January break for freedom.

Balotelli’s move to Merseyside has turned into a nightmare with the £16million signing yet to score for the Reds in the Premier League.

Boss Brendan Rodgers left him out of his squad for Liverpool’s 0-0 FA Cup draw with Bolton last weekend because he wasn’t cutting it in training.

But Balotelli’s agent insists the former AC Milan and Manchester City striker will not be pushing for a move before the transfer window shuts.

Mino Raiola said: “He is happy at Liverpool.

“Nobody is happy to be left out, but he reacted in a professional way.

“Mario will win this struggle and become better. It is then up to Rodgers to give him a chance.

“Mario needs to adapt and Liverpool need to adapt.

“He was injured and moved to a big club. This move was the right thing to do in his career. He’s still one of the best in the world.

“We didn’t ask to leave. It is too early to say we leave in January.

“There are no big problems. He’s adapting to a new style that the manager wants. We’ll see in the summer.”

Rodgers has also suggested that Liverpool would not look to cut their losses on Balotelli in January.

The Reds boss insists the 24-year-old – who he described as a “good boy” – will get further chances before the end of the season.

Balotelli has so far started just eight league games, and a parting of the ways at the end of the

DEAL OR NO DEAL: Rodgers has his

eye on James Milner season looks inevitable – if Liverpool can find a buyer.

But Raiola claims the pair have not fallen out.

The agent added: “They’re talking and it is a good relationship.

“Mario likes him. It is technical reasons they don’t agree on, but Mario will strive to give the manager what he wants.”

The Kop club are still keeping tabs on Man City midfielder James Milner.

The 29-year-old is still to commit to a new contract at the Etihad and Rodgers is ready to pounce if he opts to move on.