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Transfer news: No good behaviour clause in Mario Balotelli's Liverpool contract, says agent

Image: Mario Balotelli: On the verge of joining Liverpool from AC Milan

Mario Balotelli will seal his move to Liverpool on Monday or Tuesday, but will not have a good behaviour clause in his contract, according to the striker’s agent.

Balotelli spent Friday evening at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms ahead of his £16million move from AC Milan.

Reports earlier in the week suggested the Reds were keen to implement a code of conduct clause in Balotelli’s contract following disciplinary and off-field issues in the past, but Brendan Rodgers played down the claim.

Agent Mino Raiola also insists the contract will be no different to that of any other Liverpool player as he nears the end of negotiations which he says have taken place over the past three months.

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"I'll close Balotelli's contract on Monday or Tuesday. I still have many little things to fix," he told Il Corriere della Sera.

"Today, meanwhile, Mario takes a medical. It is not true that I asked Liverpool for an exaggerated percentage (for the agent).

"Negotiations have been very smooth and correct with them which have gone on for three months. It is not a scoop. Liverpool have always been the only club which I have dealt with for Mario in England.

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Liverpool have always been the only club which I have dealt with for Mario in England.
Mino Raiola

"Mario won't have a different contract than the other Liverpool's players - he has to behave with the code of conduct of the club like everyone else."

Balotelli joined Milan in January 2013 following two-and-a-half largely controversial years at Manchester City, but despite hitting 26 Serie A goals in 43 appearances, Raiola felt it was not the best place for him.

"It was the time to divorce from AC Milan. I had always been negative on the return of Mario in Italy - the pressure, the expectations, the press," he said.

"Play in Italy is much heavier for him than abroad. But Mario insisted, he wanted to leave the City and go to Milan. I cannot blame anything to AC Milan, they are a great club."

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Raiola also believes too much pressure was placed on Balotelli’s shoulders at Milan and hopes that the Liverpool squad will be able to spread the burden and allow him to shine.

He said: "Mario played well the first 6-7 months, giving a decisive contribution to go in the Champions League. But then we saw that he is not ready to be a leader.

"So I searched for a team where he can be an important element without being the leader. Liverpool have Gerrard - Mario will be protected and there he will do his best.

"Mario needs to feel free, to score goals and nothing more. Now it's up to him. Another flop is not advisable. Liverpool is the last resort at the highest level for Balotelli. Make it or break it."