Italian striker Mario Balotelli has been told that his future does not lie at Liverpool by manager Jurgen Klopp.

After a failed loan spell at AC Milan last season, the Italy international returned to Reds’ pre-season training where he has impressed Klopp.

‘We want him to become the player he was before his injury – the talent is still there, there’s no doubt about it. When we have done the crossing, heading and stuff he’s been world class,’ Klopp told the Telegraph.

Despite his good form and best behaviour, Klopp has informed Balotelli that he will not feature in the Liverpool plans for the 2016-17 season.

Balotelli is some way off Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke, Divock Origi and Danny Ings in the race for a place in the starting lineup and Klopp believes it is better for the 25-year-old to seek a move away from Anfield.

‘I have spoken to him about this,’ Klopp said.

‘He’s not at the stage of his career where he should be battling with four or five other players for one or two positions.

‘But this is not a situation where he should be battling with other players like this for one position, so it’s clear we need a solution.

‘There will be a club around who would be happy to have the new Mario Balotelli. I have spoken clearly to the player about that.

‘In this case it’s obvious. It’s now time to make decisions and I try to help Mario to get in the best shape he can be in and we will see what happens.’

Last season, Balotelli scored just three goals in 23 appearances.

Balotelli joined Liverpool in 2014 as part of the club’s plans to replace Luis Suarez for a fee of  £16-million but made just 28 appearances, scoring four goals.