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Mario Balotelli returns to Liverpool for preseason training - source

Mario Balotelli has reported back at Liverpool for preseason training, a club source has told ESPN FC.

Balotelli, 25, who spent last season out on loan at AC Milan, is back on Merseyside as Jurgen Klopp's side begin their preparations for the 2016-17 campaign.

The Italy international joined the Reds in the summer of 2015 and endured a difficult debut season, where he scored only one Premier League goal.

Balotelli's long-term future at Anfield looks increasingly uncertain, with Liverpool reportedly hoping his agent, Mino Raiola, can find a suitor for the misfiring forward, who has said he still has hopes of winning the Ballon d'Or in the future.

Mamadou Sakho also returned to the training base at Melwood on Saturday.

The defender, who was suspended in April following an anti-doping violation, is awaiting a UEFA hearing this month.

Lazar Markovic and Luis Alberto have returned to Liverpool after their loan spells at Fenerbahce and Deportivo La Coruna respectively, along with Sergi Canos, who is subject to interest from Championship outfits Bristol City and Norwich, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Sources have told ESPN FC that new recruits Sadio Mane, Loris Karius, Joel Matip and Marko Grujic have also reported to Liverpool training for the first time.