Rumors: Thomas Rongen makes hilarious effort to start Mario Balotelli transfer rumor involving New York Red Bulls (and Chicago Fire)

As the MLS summer transfer window closed, Thomas Rongen made a jovial effort to shoehorn Mario Balotelli into the league's rumor mill mix while beIN Sports colleague Kevin Egan voiced the scorn of just about everyone else alive:

Transfer deadline for @MLS looming at midnight. Could Michael Bradley move? Will @FinallyMario come? #TheXTRA https://t.co/kUEsdbDjBY

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) August 3, 2016

Balotelli has long been known to be on the outs at Liverpool. There has been talk of his contract (he has a year left to run with the EPL club) being rescinded, and he has been linked to a succession of teams. Ajax is the latest club to be linked with a move for the 25-year-old Italian.

Rongen suggested the player was being eyed by Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls. With NYCFC allegedly also interested. Kevin Egan explored a variety of expressions of disbelief.

The best transfer rumors are those which are the least plausible. This one was exceptional. Once A Metro salutes you, courageous and demented Balotelli-to-MLS rumor.

Sadly, the MLS transfer window is now closed. So this delightful gossip must quiet until at least either the January transfer window opens, or Balotelli's contract is cancelled (MLS teams can still sign free agents for a while longer this season).

Nice try, rumor mill. Just a little too late with this one. 'Til next time.