Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has dismissed reports linking the club with Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

Allegri recently fuelled speculation over a possible move by hinting that he would like to sign the Italian international.

However, the 47-year-old has now claimed that the Serie A champions are unlikely to bid for Balotelli.

"I think this is a made-up story," he told RAI. "Balotelli has done very well with me [in the past at AC Milan] but he belongs to Liverpool and he is not a player that can arrive at Juventus."

Balotelli has scored two goals in 18 games for Liverpool since he joined the club from Milan in the summer.