Barnsley make enquiry about free agent Mario Balotelli

Balotelli x South Yorkshire would be a sight for sore eyes

Championship side Barnsley have enquired about the possibility of signing Italy international Mario Balotelli, who has been a free agent since being released by Brescia during the summer. According to reports, representatives of Balotelli and the South Yorkshire club have met and discussions have taken place. Though the former Liverpool striker's interest in moving to the Championship is believed to have cooled, it's understood that Barnsley retain an interest in bringing the 30-year-old back to England. Balotelli has had two spells in England - a three-year spell with Manchester City from 2010 and 2014, before joining Liverpool in August 2014 after Luis Suarez had joined Barcelona. His time at Liverpool didn't particularly work out, however, and he moved to AC Milan on loan before subsequently joining Nice, Marseille and Brescia. It's understood that he was released by Brescia a year into his contract after repeatedly missing training during the summer. The club had been relegated to Serie B at the end of the 2019/20 season. He was most recently said to be training with with Serie D side Franciacorta.