Mario Balotelli has resurrected his career since moving to Nice.

Tipped for great things when he was young, Balotelli showed early signs of promise at Inter Milan and Manchester City before things took a turn for the worse.

Roberto Mancini shipped out the Italian in 2013, only for Liverpool to accommodate a Premier League return just 12 months later in what would prove a disastrous transfer.

Balotelli scored just a single league goal for the Reds and was eventually loaned back to AC Milan after which Nice rolled the dice by signing him.

Since then, however, Balotelli has turned things around and boasts a very impressive record of 43 goals in just 66 appearances in France.

Balotelli impressing in France

His form in Ligue 1 even secured him a return to the Italian national team despite a gaping four-year absence after the 2014 World Cup.

And now, rumours are circling that Balotelli could be embarking on the next step of his career.

There are suggestions that the 27-year-old is trying to instigate a move away from Nice with clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Marseille and Napoli linked to the striker.

Balotelli could make PL return

However, Balotelli could actually be making a return to the Premier League in a move that could surprise football fans.

Despite his previous struggles on English shores, it seems the opportunity might arise for Balotelli to make it third time lucky.

That's according to French publication L'Equipe who reported this week that West Ham are weighing up an approach for Balotelli in the January transfer window.

There are still suggestions that the Italian could leave Nice this month but, if he hangs on for another four months, he could make the move to the London Stadium.

West Ham have splashed the cash this summer, bringing in: Carlos Sanchez, Lucas Perez, Xande Silva, Felipe Anderson, Fabian Balbuena, Jack Wilshere, Andriy Yarmolenko, Ryan Fredericks, Lukasz Fabianski and Issa Diop.

And it seems they like the idea of Balotelli providing offensive reinforcements in the winter.

That being said, the Hammers would face some serious competition for his signature and Balotelli's team has made no secret of that fact.

His agent - Mino Raiola - said back in April: “Mario is ready to return. He has matured and is one of the top ten strikers in the world.

“In Italy, he is number one. He is worth €100m (£87m), but his contract is expiring, so he will be a bargain.

“I am negotiating with clubs in England and Italy. I have spoken to Juventus, Roma, Napoli and Inter Milan.”

Do you think Balotelli would be a good signing for West Ham? Have your say in the comments section below.