The Reds boss had earlier described the former Manchester City star as “a big talent” but denies that it was a signal of an intent to sign the Italy international from AC Milan

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has declared that the Reds will “categorically” not be signing Mario Balotelli.

The Northern IRishman had previously described the Italy international forward – who has also been a target for Arsenal this summer – as “a big talent”.

“I was asked the question about Balotelli and spoke about what a talent he is and excellent player he is,” Rodgers explained to reporters on Sunday. “I can categorically tell you that he will not be at Liverpool.

“He is a wonderful player but an AC Milan player. I just gave my opinion of him but that doesn’t mean I will be signing him.”

Balotelli came face to face with the Reds on Saturday as they lost 2-0 to Liverpool in a pre-season match in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Rodgers has already signed Rickie Lambert, Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana in forward positions this summer as he looks to recover from the loss of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

The new signing missed a penalty against AC Milan, the first time he has failed to score from 12 yards since February 2009, as he continues to try to open his account for the Reds

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers backed Rickie Lambert to prove himself after the striker’s missed penalty in the 2-0 win over AC Milan.

The striker, who arrived from Southampton in June, is yet to score for his new club and spurned his best opportunity yet when his first-half spot-kick saved by Christian Abbiati.

Goals from Joe Allen and Suso ultimately earned Liverpool a place in the International Champions Cup final against Manchester United, and Rodgers urged Lambert to put the miss behind him.

“I spoke to Rickie and I said to him it’s only important when it matters in the competition phase,” Rodgers told the club’s official website.

“He is obviously disappointed because he can’t remember the last time he missed a penalty because he never missed one for Southampton. He will be fine. Rickie will get goals for us, there’s no doubt.”

Rodgers was pleased with his side’s overall display and hailed the “maturity” of the performance at the Bank of America Stadium.

“As we gain our fitness throughout the games I think it’s clear you see the tactical development being introduced into the team,” the Northern Irishman added.

“Our possession of the ball was very good, we kept the ball and kept it moving, and then when we had to defend I thought we were really aggressive in our pressure and intensity. We had maturity in our game.”

Liverpool take on United – 3-1 winners over Real Madrid – on Monday.

The striker sat out Saturday’s 2-0 win over AC Milan with a hamstring concern but manager Brendan Rodgers expects his player to be fit to face Borussia Dortmund on August 10

Daniel Sturridge returned to Liverpool due to a hamstring injury which manager Brendan Rodgers has described as “nothing major”.

The Premier League side claimed a 2-0 win over AC Milan in Charlotte on Saturday as they reached the International Champions Cup final to face Manchester United.

Sturridge sat out the clash due to a hamstring injury and has now headed back to Anfield, but Rodgers expects the striker to be fit for the clash against Borussia Dortmund on August 10.

“Dan has flown back to the UK,” Rodgers told reporters. “He wasn’t going to be ready for the game on Monday – but there’s no concern there, he’ll be ready for Borussia Dortmund at the weekend.

“It was just best to get him back early, back to the training ground so he could get some treatment there.

“He had a really, really slight feeling in his hamstring. It’s nothing major.”