Liverpool were given the chance to choose between free agent Samuel Eto’o or Italian international Mario Balotelli in the summer, it was today revealed.

The Reds were in search of a striker after the departure of Luis Suarez and they had eyes on Eto’o, as well as Balotelli, towards the end of the summer transfer window after already bringing in Rickie Lambert.

Rodgers opted for a £16 million move for Balotelli, while Eto’o joined the blue half of Merseyside at Goodison Park.

It’s been fair to say both players have failed to have the desired effect on their club’s form, but Eto’o may just have edged ahead in the sense he joined on a free deal.

James Pearce told the Liverpool Echo: “The manager has always insisted no-one has been brought in without his agreement but there’s no doubt that he has had to pick from shortlists which didn’t include the names of players he truly wanted.

“The fact he was left with a choice between Balotelli and Samuel Eto’o late on in the window is a case in point.”