Former Reds boss: Don't sign Balotelli

Cape Town - Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness believes signing the mercurial Mario Balotelli is a risk not worth taking. 

The Daily Mail report that Mario Balotelli's signing for Liverpool is an "enormous gamble" according to former boss Greame Souness.

After saying his goodbyes to AC Milan, Italian striker Mario Balotelli is expected to complete a  £16 million move to Liverpool. 

"It's an enormous gamble by Rodgers, a gamble I don't think he needs to take because he has a very strong group of players." said Souness.

"The harmony looks good but he may find, like every previous manager of the Italian, that he will spend more time talking about Balotelli, spending time with him and defending him, than he will the rest of the group put together." added the former Reds manager who guided Liverpool to the 1992 FA Cup title.

"At times Balotelli doesn't seem to enjoy football. Big teams can do without people who pick and choose when they will have a go.

"It's a high-risk signing.

"I wouldn't want him." said Souness.

Mario Balotelli's goal records:

Italy - 13 goals in 33 appearances

Manchester City - 30 goals in 80 appearances

AC Milan - 30 goals in 54 appearances

Total career: 88 goals in 222 appearances