Liverpool on red alert as world-class player 'asks to leave' club but face major issue

Liverpool have been put on red alert as a world-class player has 'asked to leave' his club amid intense transfer speculation.

Liverpool could be active during the January transfer window as they look to reinforce their side ahead of the second half of the season.

The Reds had a quiet summer transfer window but have been linked with several players this month.

One of them being Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is also attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool have emerged as a potential destination, having been long-term admirers of the winger.

What's more, Kvaratskhelia's transfer away from Napoli has reluctantly been given the green light as Antonio Conte has revealed the player has asked to be sold.

On Kvaratskhelia, Conte began: "We are talking about an important player, last summer I spoke to the president and I wanted to have some technical certainties by demanding the confirmation of some important players. Even though he and others had asked to be sold, I worked on it and managed to keep who I wanted."

The Napoli boss added: "He [Kvaratskhelia] asked the club to be sold. I am disappointed, I realised that it was a bolt from the blue and I am taking a step back. I would never want him to think that I have chained him here if he were to stay. I did it last summer thinking of convincing him of the goodness of the project but evidently I did not succeed. We are losing an important player."

Liverpool target Khvicha Kvaratskheli in action for Napoli. Image: Getty

Liverpool, however, face stiff competition from PSG, who have a verbal agreement with Kvaratskhelia.

PSG are in direct talks with Napoli over several different proposals, including a player-plus-cash deal.

The Italian side value the 23-year-old at £67 million, with PSG making him their top target.

There is optimism a deal can be agreed this month given Napoli have accepted his transfer request.

The Georgian international has been at Napoli since July 2022 following his move from Dinamo Batumi for a reported £10 million.

He's made over 100 appearances in Italy, scoring 30 goals across all competitions.