Liverpool have been dealt a potential transfer blow after a Napoli director slammed rumours linking the Reds with the signing of talented winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Georgia international has starred for the Italian side this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 10 Serie A appearances.
He has also performed strongly in the Champions League, with two goals and three assists in four games.
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But it was the 21-year-old's display in Napoli's 4-1 win over Liverpool in September that really alerted fans worldwide to his potential.
The Georgian has incredible footwork, and is excellent in one vs one situations. He also has a tall frame, standing at 6ft, meaning he wins his fair share of aerial duels too.
Napoli fans have already compared Kvaratskhelia to Lionel Messi, and other European clubs are now keeping a close eye on the winger, who arrived in Naples for a bargain fee of €10 million from Georgian side Dinamo Batumi.
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But Liverpool and Manchester City may not have the chance to sign him this summer - thanks to comments made by a Napoli director.
Napoli director warns off Liverpool, Man City
Napoli's sporting director, Christian Giuntoli, has moved quickly to shut down any rumours linking Kvaratskhelia with a move to any other club.
Speaking to Russian sports outlet Sport Express (quotes via HITC), Giuntoli expressed: "[The links are] not true! This is a lie. We have no desire to sell Kvaratskhelia.”
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Prominent journalist Fabrizio Romano backed up this statement, by telling CaughtOffside: "Napoli have no plans to sell Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. They're really happy with him at this moment after an excellent start to the season."
If Napoli do decide to sell the player, they are certainly in no rush to do so. The Georgian winger has a contract until 2027 at Naples - and the club would certainly be able to acquire a substantial profit on a player they signed for just £10 million earlier in the year.
Topics: Liverpool, Napoli, Serie A, Premier League
Ryan Smart