Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Mario Balotelli and Gabriel Jesus Rumours

The agent of Liverpool's Mario Balotelli has spoken out to deny rumours the striker will be moving to Turkish outfit Besiktas this summer. Elsewhere, the Reds have suffered a big blow in their pursuit of Brazilian starlet Gabriel Jesus.

Speculation recently emerged claiming Balotelli was closing in on a move to Besiktas this summer, but representative Mino Raiola told Spanish daily Marca (h/t Daily Star's Rhys Turrell) those reports are wide of the mark:

"

His [Balotelli's] last year was quiet. No one talked about his behaviour, he has not had any bad episodes professionally.

The problem has been injuries that have prevented him from being at his best.

Turkey? Lie. A journalist called me posing as the president of Besiktas...they invent everything. You must go back to Liverpool and speak to Klopp, who is his coach.

"

A slew of niggling injuries prevented Balotelli from consistently featuring for Milan during his season-long loan back at the San Siro last season, where he scored just three goals in 23 appearances.

That return made for an unsuccessful comeback in his native Italy, and Balotelli's figures were only slightly worse than the four goals he netted in 28 appearances for Liverpool during the 2014-15 campaign.

It appears Besiktas may have no interest in bringing Balotelli to the Super Lig, either, after the club's sporting director, Erdal Torunogullari, told the Daily Mail (h/t Calciomercato): "I know his agent (Raiola) well, and he has stated that we would be happy to have Balotelli, this is not true. We are not interested, our priority is to keep hold of Mario Gomez."

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp faces a conundrum in how to handle Balotelli. The German can either persevere with the Italian and attempt to revive the kind of form that saw him net 17 goals in 32 appearances for Manchester City during the 2011-12 season or cut ties this summer, with the club most likely taking a loss.

Balotelli appeared to have cleared up his act somewhat after gaining a reputation as a bad boy in his younger years, but the Independent's Dylan Fahy recently reported that may not be the case:

On the inbound list, the Merseysiders may struggle to compete for the signature of Palmeiras wonderkid Gabriel after he confessed his dream is to one day play for Barcelona.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Sport (h/t Metro's Coral Barry), the 19-year-old opened up on his intentions to move to the Camp Nou after gaining a following in his native Brazil:

"

To go to Barcelona would be a dream. I am aware of my conditions, I know what my potential is and what I can give.

I am working really hard. I push myself to the limit to do what I most like doing, which is playing football. I’m really enjoying myself.

I have the best family and I receive the best guidance. I really trust in them, they’ve always advised me throughout my life, but it’s me who takes the decisions.

"

A move may be difficult to pull off this summer for any European club, however, according to Football Manager researcher Paulo Freitas:

Liverpool have been linked as one of the clubs vying for Gabriel's services, with the teenager capable of playing out wide or in a central striking role, leading to interest from a host of European suitors.

Gabriel has scored eight goals in 14 appearances for Palmeiras this year and is being tipped for a bright future with Brazil, but reports of Barcelona's £19 million bid for the youngster, per Barry, may see Liverpool beaten out in the race.