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Why Henrikh Mkhitaryan's Dortmund move could spell DISASTER for Liverpool's Balotelli move
LIVERPOOL appear to be closing in on a move for Mario Balotelli after agreeing a fee with AC Milan for the Italian international striker.
And while most expect the former Manchester City man's move to Anfield to be a mere formality from here on out there remains an ominous obstacle that could yet scupper a deal.
Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola remains one of the hardest negotiators in world football.
And alarmingly for Liverpool fans, Raiola has a history of advising his clients against a move to the Anfield outfit if his demands aren't met.
Last summer Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for Armenian playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan, then of Shaktar Donetsk.
Mario Balotelli Player Profile
Henrikh Mkhitaryan snubbed a move to Liverpool
Indeed, reports in Russia suggest that Liverpool had agreed a fee with the Ukrainian club to bring the player to England.
But when it came to negotiating personal terms with Raiola, Liverpool found themselves unable to seal a deal.
Mkhitaryan ended up heading to Dortmund instead where he continues to impress under Jurgen Klopp.
And it now remains to be seen whether Raiola drives a similarly hard bargain when it comes to Balotelli, safe in the knowledge that both Arsenal and Chelsea would both willingly step in if a move to Merseyside falls through.
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