Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Dynamic star is ‘informed’ about Liverpool interest as player’s camp gives Reds big incentive to swoop in

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Davide Calabria

Liverpool have been given a major boost in their attempt to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli amid the player’s father giving a first-hand account of the transfer rumours.

Kvaratskhelia is leading Napoli’s Serie A title charge this season. He has managed five goals and five assists in 11 league matches so far, helping Napoli go three points clear at the top of the table.

The left winger is also putting in some hugely impressive performances on the European stage. Two goals and three assists have come his way in just four Champions League outings.

This includes an assist when he tore Liverpool apart in a 4-1 home victory for the Italian side on matchday one.

Kvaratskhelia, who is just 21 years of age, has the nickname ‘Kvaradona’ among the Napoli faithful. This is a big compliment given Maradona’s legendary status in Naples.

It would be great for Napoli and the entire city if they can lift their first Serie A title since 1989-90, which is when Maradona guided them to the trophy for the second time in four seasons.

However, such an achievement could be one of the last things Kvaratskhelia does in a Napoli shirt. Reports claim he is wanted by some of Europe’s biggest teams, including Liverpool.

Fabrizio Romano says Napoli have no plans to sell the Georgian any time soon. This makes sense given his rich vein of form and their start to the campaign.

However, this stance could change in the next year or two due to the huge finances involved. The likes of Liverpool, Man City or Tottenham would be able to spend big money to lure the wide man away from Italy.

Manager Luciano Spalletti would love to keep him. But Kvaratskhelia has proven he has the ability to play for a bigger side.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia father opens up on future

The player’s father, Badri Kvaratskhelia, has now spoken about the links and the possibility of his son penning a new deal at Napoli.

He has given Liverpool a major incentive to launch a move by admitting Napoli are yet to begin talks over a contract extension. Badri Kvaratskhelia also said his son is aware of the reports surrounding his future.

“Nobody has spoken to us about the contract yet,” he said during an interview with Imedi TV (via Sports Mole).

“At this stage, Khvicha doesn’t even think about it, he only thinks about playing. Khvicha is informed about market rumours, but it doesn’t influence him at all.

“When you are in the stands of the Napoli stadium and your surname is sung by 60,000 fans, this feeling cannot be conveyed. Especially when it’s a footballer coming from the Georgian league.

“I was always convinced that Khvicha would do well from the start.

Father says Kvaratskhelia ‘doesn’t need an introduction’

“He does not need an introduction or too many words, he has shown what he can do. There are no groups in the team, there is unity. You can feel a friendly attitude.

“Luciano Spalletti has a very good relationship with his players. Khvicha goes to training at 8am. Around 2pm he comes back and rests. He had a day off and we went for a walk in the city.”

Kvaratskhelia would be an exceptional signing for Liverpool. And Jurgen Klopp knows just how good he is. That’s because he caused Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez all sorts of problems earlier this season.

One thing that could stop Liverpool moving for him is the fact they already have Luis Diaz in their squad. He is a brilliant left winger in his own right.

And having spent a decent amount of money on Diaz in January, Liverpool chiefs are unlikely to sanction an expensive move for a player who operates in the same position.

Perhaps it is more likely Kvaratskhelia will join City or Spurs, should he opt for a Premier League transfer.

Meanwhile, Ralf Rangnick says he told Man Utd officials to sign a player before Liverpool, but they did not listen to him.