Liverpool are awaiting the final paperwork on Mario Balotelli's transfer to Nice before they can draw a line under the Italian's miserable spell at Anfield.
The 26-year-old has been in talks with the French club for the last couple of days and Press Association Sport understands the deal has been completed and all that is left is for the Merseysiders to receive the formal documentation.
Nice have got the Italy international, who scored just four goals in 28 appearances, for free but the Reds did not have to pay off Balotelli, which was a distinct possibility for a time as numerous European clubs turned down the chance to sign the striker.
Balotelli spent last season on loan at former club AC Milan after just one campaign at Liverpool having been signed by former manager Brendan Rodgers for £16million.
Liverpool's clear-out of the deadwood had begun earlier in the day with Luis Alberto, who managed just 12 appearances in his first season before being loaned out to Malaga and Deportivo La Coruna, sold to Lazio in a £6million deal.
The Reds have received an initial fee of £4.3million with the rest made up of add-ons and the club have also inserted a 30 per cent sell-on clause.
Defender Andre Wisdom, 23, has gone to Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg on loan, his fourth spell after spending the last three seasons at Derby, West Brom and Norwich.
Source: PA
