Besiktas have slammed rumours of a possible exit for Wout Weghorst amid interest from Manchester United.
The Netherlands international is currently on loan at Besiktas from Burnley, and in 18 appearances for the Turkish club, he has scored nine goals and registered four assists.
However, Weghorst has emerged as a leading target for United, who are keen to strengthen their forward line during the current transfer window.
The 6'5" striker scored in Saturday's 2-1 league win over Kasimpasa, and during his celebration, he appeared to bid farewell to the Besiktas supporters.
Following the game, Besiktas sporting director Ceyhun Kazanci dismissed reports of a possible departure, while he also criticised Weghorst's actions.
© Reuters
The Turkish giants have now taken the decision to release a statement on the matter, rubbishing the suggestion that he could be set for an imminent departure.
Besiktas said: "After the match of our Football A Team against Kasımpasa in the Super League, there was a need to make a statement due to speculative news in the media about our football player Wout Weghorst.
"The claim that there is an exit clause in our football player's contract, stating that his contract can be terminated with a compensation of €2.5million in case of an offer from the Premier League, is fictitious.
"However, the news that the player in question will leave the team on Tuesday is completely untrue. The initiative with regards Wout Weghorst belongs entirely to Besiktas.
"We also state that if there is a development on this issue, our esteemed community and the public will be informed."
© Reuters
A recent report claims that United are still in discussions with Burnley over a potential loan move for the 30-year-old, who scored twice in the Netherlands' 2022 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.
There has also been a suggestion that Weghorst has emptied his locker at Besiktas in an attempt to force through a move to Old Trafford.
Prior to joining Besiktas on loan, he struggled to discover his best form for his parent club, scoring two goals and providing three assists in 20 Burnley appearances.
Weghorst has previously enjoyed success in Germany for Wolfsburg, registering 70 goals and 22 assists across 144 games in all competitions.
United's search for a new striker has not been confined to the Dutchman, though, with Vincent Aboubakar, Memphis Depay and Joao Felix mooted as possible options, although the latter appears to be close to completing a loan move to Chelsea.