LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 22, 2014: Liverpool's Mario Balotelli in action against Real Madrid CF during the UEFA Champions League Group B match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

“We’re not interested” – Besiktas join the list of those who don’t want Mario Balotelli

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been snubbed by another club, with Besiktas saying they have no interest in signing the temperamental Italian.

The 25-year-old’s stock has continued to go down since joining AC Milan on loan last summer, having once been seen as one of Europe’s most exciting young players.

He managed to score just three goals in 23 appearances for the Rossoneri last season, and they decided not to sign the striker permanently.

Now, Balotelli has suffered another setback, with Besiktas ruling out a move for him, following claims made by his agent, Mino Raiola, that the Turkish club wanted him.

Erdal Torunogullari, the club’s sporting director, says the club’s focus is very much on keeping hold of star striker Mario Gomez.

“We know Raiola [Balotelli’s agent] well,” he said.

“He’s even said Balotelli will go to Besiktas, but it’s not like that. We’re not interested, our priority is to hold on to Mario Gomez.”

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2015: Liverpool's Mario Balotelli in action against West Bromwich Albion FC during the Premier League match at the Hawthorns. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The news will come as another blow to Balotelli, whose stuttering career continues to show no sign of finding a new lease of life.

He moved to Liverpool in August 2014 for £16 million and managed just four goals in 28 matches in 2014/15.

Many believed it was Balotelli’s last chance to prove his worth at a genuinely big club, and he failed spectacularly in that respect.

There is no chance that Jurgen Klopp will retain his services beyond this summer, and he will have to continue his search for a new club.

Balotelli’s footballing ability has rarely been questioned, but his lack of desire to reach the top, and constant ability to flatter to deceive, will forever hold him back.

Will a club take a gamble on him this summer? Or will Liverpool end up being forced into loaning him out again?

More from This Is Anfield

Fan Comments