Liverpool have moved into pole position in the race to sign Mario Gomez after Fiorentina rejected Galatasaray’s bid for the Germany international.

According to Eurosport, Fiorentina are unwilling to allow Gomez to leave on loan and instead want to sell him this summer.

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Galatasaray manager Hamza Hamzaoğlu confirmed that the Lion’s were in the market for a new striker and confirmed interest in Gomez.

“We need another striker and would like a player such as Mario Gomez,” Hamzaoğlu was quoted as saying by Eurosport.

The Independent stated that Liverpool are considering swapping Mario Balotelli with Mario Gomez.

Gomez has a grand total of 166 goals in 308 appearances in all competitions throughout his professional career.

Balotelli joined Liverpool from AC Milan for €20 million but has managed to score just four goals in 28 appearances.

The 24-year-old has previously played for Manchester City, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Lumezzane.

Galatasaray booked a place in the Champions League group stages for the fourth consecutive season in the process.