Mario Balotelli's Liverpool contract will reportedly contain a "behaviour clause" to make sure that the Italian does not get involved in any on or off the field issues or other controversies, after he makes a return to the Premier League with the Reds.
The Merseyside club reached an agreement with AC Milan for the transfer of the striker for a fee around £16 million. And the Reds have also reportedly told Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola that they want his client to sign a behaviour clause, to ensure he abides by Liverpool's code of conduct.
Liverpool are well aware of Balotelli's history and reputation during his time at Manchester City, where he was involved in several controversies both on and off the pitch.
And to make sure that the 24-year-old does not repeat his erratic behaviour, Liverpool - who faced flak for years regarding former talisman Luis Suarez's conduct - want the player to agree to this clause, according to ESPN.
If Balotelli fails to follow the Reds' code of conduct, he will reportedly face severe disciplinary actions as per the clause.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is believed to be confident that he will be able to curb Balotelli's bad behaviour and get the best out of the Italian with his man-management skills.
Although the Northern Irishman had earlier dismissed speculations of the Reds signing Balotelli, he seems to have changed his mind after failing to land any of his attacking targets, following the departure of Suarez to Barcelona this summer.
While Liverpool pulled the plug on Queen Park Rangers striker Loic Remy's transfer after the Frenchman reportedly failed a medical, their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez and AS Monaco's Ramadel Falcao also failed to materialize.
They were also being linked to Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o (who is currently a free agent, after being released by Chelsea this summer). But the Reds seem to have decided against moving for the 33-year-old.
In the end, the Merseyside outfit were not left with many choices, and decided to go for Balotelli.
According to the Telegraph, Rodgers changed his stance on Balotelli after Milan, who had initially put a £40 million price tag on the striker, agreed to sell him for cut-price deal, following his poor performances with Italy in the 2014 World Cup.
The addition of Balotelli will certainly prove to be beneficial for the Reds as the striker is talented and already has the experience of playing in the Premier League. However, this will only happen if the Italian keeps himself well out of controversies.
