London, Dec 27 (IANS): Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists he will not let go of Italian striker Mario Balotelli in the January transfer window.

“It is not something I have even thought about. We have had a lot of games this season in a lot of competitions,” Rodgers was quoted as saying by dailymail.co.uk.

“At this moment in time, it is key for me to keep the squad together,” he added Saturday.

Reports from Italy have linked Balotelli with Italian Serie A club Inter Milan and his former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.

They have coincided with Rodgers admitting that Balotelli, who has started in just eight league games since his 16 million pound summer signing, is struggling to come to terms with Liverpool's style of play.

Saturday's Italian newspaper 'Gazzetta Dello Sport' published a story about Balotelli returning to Italy with Inter Milan.

In total Balotelli has scored two goals for Liverpool from 15 appearances.