Besiktas say they came close to trumping West Bromwich Albion for former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott.
Ahmet Nur Cebi, the club's vice-president, claims the defender, who was released by Manchester City at the end of last season, almost joined the club, only for Lescott's wife to pull the plug.
Cebi claims Besiktas had offered a £2 million package.
"Lescott was a done deal, his partner had also agreed, everything was in place for him to join," Cebi said.
"However, three days later we were informed that his wife was not keen on the move.
"Lescott then decided he wouldn't complete his transfer."
