Liverpool join transfer race for Kvaratskhelia amid contract impasse

Liverpool are reportedly keeping an eye on Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ahead of a possible move this month.

Kvaratskhelia, 23, has become one of the hottest attackers in Europe since joining Napoli from Georgian outfit Dinamo Batumi in 2022 for €10million (8.4m).

The winger helped guide the Italian giants to the Serie A title in 2022-23 in what was their first domestic triumph since the heady days of Diego Maradona in the 1980s.

Kvaratskhelia, who previously played for the likes of Rubin Kazan, Lokomotiv Moscow and Dinamo Tbilisi, is under contract in Naples until the summer of 2027.

However, according to The Athletic, there has been limited progress regarding a new deal for the Georgian.

The report claims this has led to interest arising from several clubs across the continent, including Liverpool, PSG, Chelsea, Newcastle and Man United, with Napoli potentially open to selling the star.

The Reds are said to be monitoring the situation and could make a move for Kvaratskhelia if he is made available this month.

It is believed that while Arne Slot's side are not specifically targeting a player of Kvaratskhelia's profile, they do admire the 23-year-old, with the Reds willing to be ready to pounce if an opportunity arises.

Nevertheless, any move would potentially be dependent on a big-name departure from the club this month.

Liverpool are well-stocked in attacking areas, with Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez all able to play on the left - which is where Kvaratskhelia has previously done his best work from.

This is without mentioning right-sided attackers Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa.

However, the report claims that PSG are the frontrunners for Kvaratskhelia, who has also scored 17 times in 40 caps for his country.

L'Equipe have similarly claimed the French giants are in for the winger, who was their priority target last summer.

The French outlet reported that several agents have been working on a deal, although they face competition from United, who are hoping to use the exiled Marcus Rashford as makeweight in any potential transfer.

It is believed that Napoli - who have been linked with several additions this month including Chelsea's Cesare Casadei - value Kvaratskhelia at somewhere between €70million and €90m (£58.6m-£75.3m).

Kvaratskhelia has scored five goals and added three assists in 19 games this season.

Napoli, who are coached by Antonio Conte, currently sit top of Serie A at the halfway stage of the season.

They return to action on Sunday when they host Hellas Verona.