Liverpool's Mario Balotelli is target for Besiktas, says club president

Mario Balotelli spent last season on loan at AC Milan

Besiktas president Fikret Orman claims the Turkish club are keen to sign Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

Orman believes the 25-year-old, who did not travel with the Reds for their tour of the United States after being deemed surplus to requirements, could be a good fit for the Istanbul side.

And Orman concedes had it not been for Balotelli's reputation for being difficult Besiktas would not stand a chance of attracting the Italy international.

"Mario Balotelli is the type of footballer that our fans can associate themselves with," Orman said. "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."