Inter Milan have reportedly increased their contract offer for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ezequiel Lavezzi, who is reportedly a target for Liverpool and Chelsea and will be a free agent once the summer transfer window opens.

The Argentinian is free to sign a pre-contract with any club during the January window, and according to Corriere dello Sport (h/t the Daily Star's Jamie Anderson), the Nerazzurri are desperate to land their man.

Per Anderson, the Sunday Times previously reported Lavezzi's representatives held talks with Chelsea in London, while Calciomercato claimed Reds manager Jurgen Klopp had an interest in the Argentina international, who would present tremendous value.

Lavezzi may not be the world-class option either team would love to add, but as a free agent, there's no denying he would make a great signing. The former Napoli star has all the experience in the world, and at the age of 30, he still has several top years left.

He's become a depth option in Paris since Angel Di Maria joined the club from Manchester United, but he remains a valuable and talented player who is still a big part of Argentina's national team. Here's a look at some of his highlights:

The veteran still has quick feet, dazzling dribbling skills and the raw pace to be a handful to defend out wide, and he still has a good eye for goal as well. Lavezzi isn't restricted to hugging the touchline―he can move all over the attacking third and does most of his damage when he's allowed to drift across the pitch.

A return to Italy has always looked likely, with Lavezzi playing some of the best football of his career with Napoli. Alessandro Moggi, an associate of his agent, previously told La Domenica Sportiva Lavezzi “missed” Serie A, via Anderson.

Bleacher Report's Dean Jones also believes Inter are the favourites to land his signature:

The Nerazzurri need to upgrade their attack as soon as possible, as their hot start to the 2015-16 campaign didn't last, and the team finds itself in danger of falling out of the title race completely. Ideally, they would add Lavezzi in January, as opposed to waiting until he becomes a free agent.

Liverpool also need some quality in the attacking third, as well as wing help. Klopp is more likely to focus on younger players as he tries to build the Liverpool side, but as a free agent, Lavezzi would be an incredible capture who could start immediately and add depth and experience to his team.

There are other options available, however, and missing out on Lavezzi would not be a disaster.

Mario Balotelli Return?

According to Calciomercato (h/t the Daily Express' Uche Amako), AC Milan are considering cutting Mario Balotelli's loan short.

The Italian striker joined his former club on loan from Liverpool during the summer as a vital depth option, but he has missed the bulk of the 2015-16 campaign through injury. The 25-year-old recently celebrated his return against Fiorentina, but reportedly Milan are still considering other avenues.

A Super Mario return would certainly present an interesting scenario for the Reds, who have struggled mightily in front of goal and need more bodies in the attacking third. Few will have thought Balotelli could be the solution.

When he's at his best, his talent is undeniable, as you can see in this video:

Balotelli was never even close to his best with Liverpool, however, and his time at Anfield was as frustrating as it was unproductive. How much of that had to do with former boss Brendan Rodgers is debatable, although Super Mario never looked like he was really trying.

Perhaps Klopp might be able to finally unlock the real Balotelli, but an immediate return to Anfield remains doubtful. As mentioned before, Balotelli has only just returned from injury―it would be odd for Milan to spend all this time waiting for him to get healthy, only to decide to ship him back to the Premier League upon his return.

ESPN FC's David Amoyal fully believes he'll have the opportunity to show himself in the second half of the season:

Milan need Balotelli, as they have little depth in the attacking third, even with Luiz Adriano staying at the club, per Sky Sports' Paulo Freitas. The former Shakhtar Donetsk man has been a disappointment since moving to Italy, so Balotelli will have every chance of passing him in the pecking order if he can stay healthy.

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