Lille coach Girard rules out Balotelli-Origi swap

Paris: Lille coach Rene Girard denied rumours about swapping Divock Origi for Italian star striker Mario Balotelli from Liverpool.

Origi, recruited by English Premier League (EPL) side Liverpool last summer from Lille for a 10 million pound transfer fee, was loaned back to the French Ligue 1 side on a one-year deal. The 19-year-old Belgian forward scored three goals in 10 league matches, reports Xinhua.

As a contrary, Balotelli has not yet opened scoring for the Reds since he joined them in the summer.

Reports, mainly from the Britain media suggested that talks were underway to trade the two between Liverpool and Lille.

"It's only a rumour. There have been no approaches as far as I know. It was agreed that Divock spend the year with us. There's no reason he leave midway through the season," Girard said.

Asked if Lille will load Balotelli without Origi involved, Girard said: "The question was never asked."