Besiktas have released a statement denying comments attributed to club president Fikret Orman regarding Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

The statement read: “Reports regarding club president Fikret Orman’s comments about Mario Balotelli are false.”

Orman was reported as saying in the Turkish press as saying that he would love Balotelli to join the club and that the controversial striker is misunderstood.

The club president also was quoted as saying that he was sure Balotelli would benefit from playing at Besiktas and get over his off the field problems.

Orman was quoted as saying: “I’m pretty sure he would attract great attention.

“To be fair, if he wasn’t deemed as a trouble-maker, he wouldn’t be rumoured to be joining us.

“But we can show some effort and create solutions for Balotelli’s infamous troubles. I think he can change with the attention and care he’ll receive in Turkey.

“In short, we want Mario Balotelli and he wants us too.”

Besiktas did not however, rule out targeting the Liverpool striker in their statement which was released on their official website.

The Istanbul giants are reported to be interested in Balotelli following Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp telling the 25-year-old to find a new club.

Besiktas are on the hunt for a new striker after Mario Gomez confirmed that he would not be returning over the summer after spending last season on loan.

The Black Eagles won the league title last season and will compete in the Champions League group stages.

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