Super Mario Balotell ready for third EPL ‘missionary’ return

Mario Balotelli could be set for a sensational return to the Premier League, with Newcastle reportedly ready to take a gamble on the enigmatic forward in order to aid their battle against relegation.

Balotelli has been linked with a move since recent comments from Nice club president Jean-Pierre Rivere, who outlined the likelihood of the forward departing the club.

The Italy international is unlikely to sign a new deal with the Ligue 1 side, paving the way for yet another move in what is becoming a nomadic career.

Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle are ready to turn to Balotelli, as they look to retain their top flight status, according to the Mirror.

Balotelli has been given time away from the training ground at Nice by manager Patrick Vieira, due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.

The former Arsenal man revealed the frustrations of managing Balotelli, claiming he would ‘slam him up against a wall’ if he was still a fellow player.

‘I have given Mario a few extra days off to think about his future and what he wants to do,’ Vieira said this week.

‘He’s under contract here and everything is possible, if we can come to a common agreement who knows.

‘When it comes to Mario, I want to answer back, or just slam him up against the wall or leave him hanging by his collar on the coat rack, but I can’t, as I’m no longer a player.

‘I don’t want to say something I’ll regret. I am trying to be constructive in my comments to him.’

The “Why Always Me” exponent, no doubt boasts of  a lot of fans in the EPL many of who will be delighted to have him stage a third missionary journey having played for Manchester City and Liverpool respectively. The 28 year old scored 20 goals for Manchester city in 54 appearances between 2010 and 2013 but managed only four goals in 28 appearances for the Liverpool