Man Utd 'visit Liverpool target' in potential hijack after agent confirms transfer wish – Football News

Man Utd 'visit Liverpool target' in potential hijack after agent confirms transfer wish

Man Utd could hijack a reported top Liverpool target. (Image: GETTY)

Manchester United are weighing up a pursuit of Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has yet to commit to a new contract despite his current deal running until 2027, according to reports. Old Trafford scouts were spotted as the Georgia international dazzled against Empoli amidst rumours of Premier League ambitions swirling for months.

Liverpool, too, are reportedly keen on snatching the 23-year-old star from Napoli as uncertainty looms over the future of star man Mohamed Salah.

Following intense summer transfer whispers, Kvaratskhelia has kicked off the season explosively, bagging four goals and setting up two in just eight Serie A matches.

The prodigious Georgian talent has nearly reached a milestone of 100 appearances with Napoli, boasting an impressive tally of 29 goals and 28 assists during his time at the club.

Before joining the Serie A giants, he dazzled with his skills at Rubin Kazan, FC Rustavi, Dinamo Batumi, Lokomotiv Moscow, and Dinamo Tbilisi.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, United’s interest isn’t limited to Kvaratskhelia. Teammate Alessandro Buongiorno is also said to have caught their eye during the scouting mission.

It’s claimed that Kvaratskhelia was the primary reason for the scouting mission. However, with ample time remaining on his contract, negotiating with Napoli might pose a challenge.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is expected to leave Napoli.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is expected to leave Napoli. (Image: Marco Canoniero/Getty Images)

The dynamic forward’s agent was vocal last summer about seeking pastures new. Mamuka Jugeli conveyed to Georgian media outlet Imedi: “I don’t want people to think that Kvara wants to stay at Napoli.

“We want to leave, but we are waiting for the end of the Euros so as not to disturb Khvicha. The priority is to join a team that plays in the Champions League.”

That said, Kvaratskhelia’s agent made a U-turn on the earlier statement, hinting that the Georgian star’s fate now lies with Napoli’s decision-makers.

The forward’s future has been laced with speculation after his agent commented for the Corriere dello Sport: “Kvaratskhelia without the Champions League? Then he wants to win the Scudetto.

“For the future, everything depends on the president of Napoli. If he thinks of selling Kvara, he will do. If he wants the renewal, he will renew.”

While the Napoli talisman is reportedly courted by Paris Saint-Germain, his sights are set on challenging himself in English football, brushing aside Ligue 1 ambitions. Liverpool, along with two other unnamed Premier League clubs, are said to be keen, fuelling the transfer gossip mill.

In thrall to his potential, Reds icon Dietmar Hamann has lavished praise on Kvaratskhelia, dubbing him as an ideal successor to Mohamed Salah at Anfield, with Salah’s current deal expiring next summer.

Hamann sang Kvaratskhelias praises, saying: “When you walk to a ground on a Saturday, it’s players like him that people talk about; that people want to see. He gets bums off seats. He’s a very humble guy.”

Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1966197/Man-Utd-transfer-news-Kvicha-Kvaratskhelia-Liverpool-gossip