Lille coach Rene Girard denied rumors about his club would swap Divock Origi for Mario Balotelli from Liverpool of the English Premier League, according to Le Figaro on Tuesday.

Origi, recruited by Liverpool last summer from Lille with 10 million pounds 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 with the northerners.

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

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

"It's only a rumor," Girard was quoted by the French newspaper.

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

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

"Liverpool are running short of strikers? Me too," he added. " We are in great need of Divock."