Sassuolo have expressed an interest in signing Mario Balotelli from Liverpool, according to the cousin of the Italian forward's agent Mino Raiola.
Enzo Raiola, who is also part of Balotelli's group of advisors, says the Serie A club have been in touch, but he thinks that a transfer is unlikely due to financial constraints.
"It's true, Sassuolo have given it some thought," Raiola told ilmilanista.it. "But we are light years away from agreeing on a fee. Liverpool are never going to accept certain figures, unless nothing else happens before Aug. 31."
Sassuolo are not the only Italian club to have made enquiries about the former Inter Milan, Manchester City and AC Milan forward, who is surplus to requirements at Anfield.
Serie A rivals Chievo have also sounded out Mino Raiola on the 25-year-old's availability, but money is also an issue with them.
"These are the two clubs in Italy who have made enquiries," Enzo Raiola said. "Mario wants to put himself back on centre-stage and feeling important again."
With a move for Balotelli perhaps proving too expensive, Sassuolo are instead likely to complete the signing of Alessandro Matri from AC Milan, as they look to strengthen their attack in view of a potential Europa League campaign this season.
The Neroverdi face Red Star Belgrade in the playoff for a place in the Europa League group stage, with the first leg in Reggio Emilia next Thursday.