Nice are desperate to shift striker Mario Balotelli before this month’s transfer window closes.

The former Liverpool, Manchester City and Inter Milan striker wants to leave the Ligue 1 side after two prolific seasons on the French Riviera, which has seen him net 43 goals in 66 games.

The 27-year-old was left out of new boss Patrick Vieira’s first squad for the 1-0 home defeat against newly-promoted Reims on Saturday, amid reports of a return to Serie A.

Napoli, in recent times, have been linked with his services while Arsenal legend Vieira declared Nice will “try to do whatever is possible” to help Balotelli through the exit door.

The controversial forward is out of contract in the summer of 2019 and the French club are keen to make some money on him.