Newcastle ‘consider triggering Mario Balotelli’s release clause’ in shock transfer for former Man City maverick

NEWCASTLE are considering triggering Mario Balotelli's release clause, according to reports.

The former Manchester City maverick is currently with Adana Demirspor in Turkey.

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According to the club's president, he has emerged as a shock transfer target for the mega-rich Premier League side.

As quoted by , Murat Sancak said: "Newcastle was considering signing Balotelli.

"But so far they have not made an official offer.

"There is an exit clause in his contract.

"But I cannot reveal the amount of that clause."

Sancak also confirmed an official bid 'from Saudi Arabia' had come in for the striker.

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But the president added: "We refused. We said, 'We do not intend to sell.'"

Balotelli, 31, joined newly-promoted Super Lig outfit Adana Demirspor last summer.

He has scored eight and assisted four in 20 appearances this season as his side sit sixth, well in the race for European qualification.

In a bonkers career, the unpredictable Balotelli made his name at Inter Milan before two-and-a-half years at the Etihad, creating as many headlines off the pitch as on it.

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He had spells at Milan and Liverpool - taking his Premier League tally to 21 goals in 70 appearances.

The 36-cap Italy international then joined Nice, Marseille, Brescia and Monza, the last three for just a season each.

Newcastle, fresh from their Saudi-backed takeover earlier in the season, have got the cash to splash.

They spent £12million on Kieran Trippier and met Chris Wood's £25m Burnley release clause to bolster their squad as they fight to avoid relegation.

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