Balotelli has four months to prove himself

Mario Baloteli. PHPTO / COURTESY

Mario Balotelli has four months to save his Liverpool career.

Rodgers will not offload Balotelli during this transfer window - but will send the Kop flop back to Italy in the summer if he does not improve.

The controversial Italian striker has managed just two goals in his 18 Liverpool games - and none in the Premier League - since his £16million switch from AC Milan. He has not started a game since November 8 and it is no coincidence that the Reds are doing better without him.

Rodgers claims Balotelli cares about succeeding at Anfield and says the club will give him the backing he needs. “He does want to stay,” said the Liverpool boss. “I think that is the case with him.

“He does care about doing well for Liverpool and wants to do well, but it just hasn’t gone as he would have wanted.

“He’s a good guy. He’s not scored the goals he would have wanted, but we are determined to help him find a solution.”