Besiktas deny Ronaldinho deal

Besiktas have denied reports claiming Ronaldinho has signed with the Turkish club.

In a New Year's Day statement on their official website, Besiktas described talks in Istanbul with Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto Assis as a "courtesy meeting", Xinhua reported Thursday.

Earlier, Turkish and Brazilian media reported that the two-time FIFA world player of the year had agreed to terms with the Super Lig side.

Ronaldinho has long been a Besiktas target and was reportedly close to joining the club last August.

The 33-year-old's contract with Brazil's Atletico Mineiro expired on Dec 31. Atletico officials say talks over a new deal will begin this week.