Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has warned that no incoming player will be allowed to threaten the "fantastic environment" at the club as Mario Balotelli's proposed transfer to the Merseyside outfit apparently edges ever closer.
With the Reds having reportedly agreed a £16million fee with AC Milan for Balotelli, the mercurial Italy striker was understood to be flying to England on Friday afternoon ahead of a medical.
A key aspect of discussions between Liverpool and Balotelli's agent - said to have taken place on Thursday evening, continued on Friday and progressed well - is believed to be the club's desire to obtain assurances about the 24-year-old's behaviour.
And while Rodgers, who looks set for a remarkable about-turn after insisting around three weeks ago that he "categorically" would not be signing Balotelli, was unwilling to refer to the player by name on Friday afternoon, he did emphasise there is an "extensive code of conduct" at Anfield to be adhered to.
Initially asked about Balotelli at his press conference to preview Monday's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City, Rodgers said with a smile: "I can categorically tell you that I can't speak about it until the player is signed.
"If we sign anyone, I will speak at length about them, but until then I can't say anything."
Rodgers did, though, then go on to speak about the standards of behaviour expected at Liverpool and his determination to protect them, indicating that Balotelli would be subject to the same rules as everyone else at the club.
He said: "I think every club will have a code of conduct for the people and professionals who work (for them).
"We have quite an extensive code of conduct for players and staff - there is no specific one for any one individual.
"We have a fantastic environment here and a great culture, and I think it is something that was very important for us to create and build here.
"There will be nothing that will ever shake that or provoke it in any way. It is something I always protect at the club."
Source: PA
