Everton interested in Mario Balotelli?

Liverpool's Italian striker Mario Balotelli plays during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at White Hart Lane in London on August 31, 2014
© Getty Images
Everton are linked with a surprise move for Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

Everton have been linked with a shock move for Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

The 26-year-old has been told by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp that he can leave Anfield this transfer window, alerting a number of clubs across Europe.

According to Italian publication Gazzetta World, Liverpool's Merseyside rivals have now expressed their interest in signing the Italy international and are prepared to meet his annual salary of £6m.

Fellow Premier League sides Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion are also said to be monitoring the situation, while a host of clubs in Italy have been credited with interest, including Palermo, Lazio, Chievo, Crotone and Pescara.

Balotelli has reportedly asked Liverpool for 48 hours to "consider his options" ahead of the transfer window closing on Wednesday.

Liverpool's Italian striker Mario Balotelli gives a thumbs up after scoring Liverpool's third goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on February
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City33009369
2Chelsea33007259
3Manchester UnitedMan Utd33006159
4Everton32104227
5Hull City32014226
6Middlesbrough31203215
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs31203215
8Arsenal31116514
9Leicester CityLeicester31113304
10West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom31112204
11Liverpool311156-14
12West Ham UnitedWest Ham310235-23
13Burnley310224-23
14Swansea CitySwansea310224-23
15Southampton302124-22
16Sunderland301235-21
17Crystal Palace301213-21
18Watford301236-31
19Bournemouth301225-31
20Stoke CityStoke301226-41