Crystal Palace are plotting a shock move for Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli, reports in Italy say.

Despite completing a club-record deal for Christian Benteke on Saturday, the Eagles are still in the market for attacking reinforcements.

According to Gazzeta dello Sport – via Sport Witness – Palace have expressed an interest in Italian forward Balotelli.

MORE: Crystal Palace and Saints plot moves for Tottenham midfielder

Liverpool signed Balotelli for £16m in August 2014 but the 26-year-old only managed one goal in 16 Premier League appearances for the club.

Last summer he was sent to AC Milan for a season-long loan, where he netted three goals in 23 appearances.

The Liverpool outcast looks set to leave Merseyside this summer and several Serie A clubs are believed to be monitoring his situation.

But reports in Italy say Palace are also considering a move for the former Manchester City player.

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