Balotelli’s agent waiting on response from Besiktas

Ian Watson

Liverpool outcast Mario Balotelli could be sold to Besiktas if his agent can strike a deal with the Turkish club.

The Italy international spent last season on loan at AC Milan and his representative Mino Raiola was told as early as February to find him a new home this summer.

Having looked at options in China it now seems Turkey is the preferred destination for a striker who scored just four goals in 28 appearances.

“I offered Mario to Besiktas and I’m waiting for their answer,” Raiola told the Turkish media outlet FotoMac.

“But I’m quite sure the transfer will happen as the president already assured me in the past that he would do everything he can to sign him.”

Jurgen Klopp is believed to have told Balotelli to return to Liverpool for pre-season training in July after not being offered a permanent deal by AC Milan.

The frontman last month expressed his frustration at life at Liverpool and has made no secret of his desire to leave the club, telling Mediaset Premium: “I want to stay at Milan. I do not want to return to Liverpool. I was never happy at Liverpool. Plus Milan have the money.”

The player has been linked with moves to Galatasaray, Espanyol and Monaco this summer.