Federico Chiesa Handed Liverpool Exit Route After Champions League Squad Omission

Federico Chiesa has been offered a surprise exit route from Liverpool after being left out of their Champions League squad.

The Italian winger was linked with a move away from Anfield throughout the transfer window but ultimately stayed put.

He scored his first Premier League goal in the opening-day 4-2 win over Bournemouth after coming on as a second half substitute.

The 27-year-old also appeared as a late substitute in wins over Newcastle and Arsenal.

But Chiesa was omitted from Liverpool's Champions League group stage squad when it was submitted last Thursday.

A limit on the maximum amount of non-homegrown players meant that Chiesa was excluded in favour of Rio Ngumoha, who does not turn 18 until next September and is therefore not yet classed as homegrown under UEFA rules.

That decision has prompted further speculation over Chiesa's future.

Europe's top five leagues are now all outside of the transfer window - but a surprise option has emerged for a potential departure.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Besiktas have contacted Liverpool over the former Juventus winger.

Turkey's window remains open until September 11 for clubs to complete any remaining transfer deals.

Trabzonspor have agreed a loan deal to sign Andre Onana from Manchester United, while Ilkay Gundogan has joined Galatasaray from Manchester City.

Besiktas, meanwhile, parted company with former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last month after they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Romano adds that the Turkish giants have money to spend - with Liverpool not wanting to loan Chiesa out.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained: "Besiktas, in the last 24 to 48 hours, tried to call for Federico Chiesa to understand the situation at Liverpool.

"What I can tell you is that Liverpool are not letting Federico go on loan. At the moment, negotiations are not advanced. It's not something really concrete or advanced, but they made a call also for Federico Chiesa."