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Liverpool are hoping to off-load striker Mario Balotelli to Besiktas.

The Turkish outfit have emerged as the front-runners to sign the Italy international, who is surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Balotelli spent last season on loan at AC Milan but they decided not to make the move permanent.

As a result Liverpool have been desperately trying to find a buyer for the 25-year-old this summer and hope to sell him before the start of pre-season in July.

Balotelli has been the subject of interest from the Chinese Super League but the frontman is understood to be keen to stay in Europe.

His agent has been speaking to potential suitors with Liverpool’s blessing and Mino Raiola believes Besiktas will follow up their interest with a firm offer.

“I offered Mario to Besiktas and I’m waiting for their answer,” he told the Turkish outlet Spox.com.tr

“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.”

Balotelli scored just four goals in 28 appearances for the Reds following his £16million move from AC Milan two years ago. He struggled to hold down a place and was widely criticised for his lack of application.

Brendan Rodgers left him out of the pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia and forced him to train away from the first-team squad before sending him out on loan last summer.

Balotelli spoke last season about the possibility of returning to Anfield and proving himself to Jurgen Klopp. However, the German is not interested in taking on a striker who is ill suited to the manager’s brand of high intensity football.