Liverpool's top transfer target wants to leave his club - but will snub Slot

Liverpool target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia now seems set to join Paris Saint-Germain over Arne Slot's side, says Alan Shearer.

The Georgian winger has been reported for some time as a player of interest to Reds chiefs and caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp when the Italian outfit were welcomed to Anfield in 2022. But a move to Merseyside now appears unlikely.

During his eventful two-and-a-half-year stint in Naples, Kvaratskhelia has quickly established himself as one of Europe's most sought-after and talented widemen. His performances in the Champions League with his club side and at Euro 2024 have been impressive.

The 23-year-old has made his intentions to leave Serie A known, and it now seems he is being reluctantly ushered towards the exit door. However, according to Shearer, his next destination probably won't be Anfield.

"I think he's asked to leave, hasn't he? So, by all accounts, what I'm hearing, the likelihood is that PSG – I'm hearing he may be going to them," Shearer disclosed on The Rest Is Football podcast. "No doubt he's a very, very good player."

According to Fabrizio Romano, Les Parisiens have agreed to sign the Georgian - as reported on Tuesday - and a five-year contract is set to be penned. Although the exact fee remains undisclosed, RMC Sport suggests that the transfer will exceed £60million.

While various sources suggest that Kvaratskhelia will choose Paris over Liverpool, ex-England defender Micah Richards feels Liverpool can take solace in summer signing Federico Chiesa getting back to action. "I think the more players you can get, the better – [for] the amount of games," Richards said.

"Obviously, they signed Chiesa in the summer. He's been injured and scored the other day. It's nice to see him get a run-out." However, Richards also admitted Liverpool missing out on Kvaratskhelia is a blow, praising the Napoli ace's abilities on the ball.

"I think if you got Kvaratskhelia, that would be a top signing for them," said Richards. "Just the way he dribbles. He's fearless. I wouldn't want him to come to the Premier League and not do what he does at Napoli. You know?

"Like every time he gets the ball. We've seen it at the Euros. He faces someone up. He's intelligent as well. He can play in a No. 10 role as well. It's just his feet and movement – everything about him is quality. He's done it at the highest level in the Champions League."