LONDON — Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has rejected speculation linking him with a bid for AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli. Rodgers spoke about the Italy international in glowing terms when he was asked about him last week, but the Northern Irishman said that his admiration would not translate into a former offer for the 23-year-old. “I can categorically tell you Mario Balotelli will not be at Liverpool,” Rodgers told a press conference in Miami Sunday, in comments that were widely published in the British media. “In my last press conference I was asked a question about Mario Balotelli and I talked about what a talent he was and what an excellent player he was.” — AP
