Balotelli gets the Red light

Mario Balotelli has confirmed he is leaving AC Milan, with his agent believed to be on Merseyside to finalise a transfer to Liverpool for a fee of around £16-million.

Balotelli confirmed to journalists in Italy yesterday that he would be leaving the club he joined from Manchester City last year.

"This is my last day in Milan, my last day at Milanello," he said.

Liverpool have become increasingly desperate to sign a proven international striker following the sale of Luis Suarez, prompting manager Brendan Rodgers to turn to a player he said he would not sign earlier this month.

"I was asked the question about Balotelli last week and spoke about what a talent he is and excellent player he is," Rodgers said during Liverpool's tour of the US.

"But I can categorically tell you that he will not be coming to Liverpool."

Balotelli enjoyed a controversial first spell in the Premier League with City, his time there blighted by many notorious incidents.

But he did win the league title and FA Cup, to go with the three Serie A championships he had previously won with Internazionale.

He also scored the winning goal for Italy against England in both teams' opening game at this year's World Cup.

If the deal goes through in time, Balotelli could even make his debut for Liverpool at Manchester City on Monday.

City's neighbours, Manchester United, visit Sunderland on Sunday hoping to shrug off last weekend's surprise 2-1 home defeat by Swansea City in their first league match under new manager Louis van Gaal.

The experienced Dutchman will have spent the week trying to restore his players' confidence, which he said was "smashed" by the Swansea result.

"We make steps and you have to learn from your steps," he told the club's in-house television station.

Tomorrow sees Arsenal travel to Everton, needing to recover physically from a long trip to Istanbul in the Champions League play-off round on Tuesday, when they were somewhat fortunate to draw 0-0 in their clash with Besiktas.

Last April, Arsene Wenger's team lost 3-0 at Everton, one of several emphatic away defeats which they need to improve on this season.

Chelsea, comfortable 3-1 winners at Burnley on Monday when Spain's Diego Costa scored on his competitive debut, play last season's Championship winners Leicester City, who were impressive in holding Everton 2-2 in their first Premier League match for 10 years.

English Fixtures

Tomorrow

Aston Villa vs Newcastle (1.45pm)

Crystal Palace vs West Ham (4pm)

Southampton vs West Brom (4pm)

Swansea vs Burnley (4pm)

Chelsea vs Leicester (4pm)

Everton vs Arsenal (6.30pm)

Sunday

Hull vs Stoke (2.30pm)

Tottenham vs QPR (2.30pm)

Sunderland vs Man United (5pm)

Monday

Man City vs Liverpool (9pm)