Liverpool told Khvicha Kvaratskhelia transfer plans amid Napoli decision after failed bid

Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, once touted for a move to Liverpool, is in discussions over extending his Napoli contract, according to the club’s sporting director. Liverpool had been somewhat linked with the 23-year-old over the summer before the arrival of Federico Chiesa from Juventus.

The Reds had previously failed in attempts to secure a £75million deal for Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon, which would have seen Joe Gomez move in the opposite direction. After it emerged that talks had been held for Gordon, Liverpool were linked with a number of other left-sided attackers, including Kvaratskhelia.

The Georgia star said he would consider his next steps after this summer’s European Championships amid the rumours. While Liverpool ultimately landed Chiesa in a £12.5m deal, Kvaratskhelia stayed in Naples with just under three years remaining on his contract. And it seems Napoli are keen to tie him down for longer to retain value ahead of anticipated interest next year.

READ MORE: Liverpool new Champions League format explained after Alisson Becker takes aim at UEFA

READ MORE: How to watch AC Milan vs Liverpool - TV channel, live stream details, kick off time

Club chief Giovanni Manna told Sky Italia that a number of rivals had submitted interest in Kvaratskhelia but hopes that his player will ink an extension before long. He said of Kvaratskhelia: “He’s still under contract for the next three years.

"There were clubs interested in Kvara but we wanted to continue together. We’re now working with his agents to extend the contract.”

Kvaratskhelia caught the attention of admirers after recording 12 goals and 13 assists in 34 games as Napoli lifted the Serie A title in the 2022/23 campaign. After 11 goals and eight assists in the club’s woeful defence of their crown last season, finishing 10th, he has recorded two goals and two assists in four Serie A games as a supporting striker.

Meanwhile, Liverpool signing Chiesa has yet to make his debut for his new employers. The Italian was not fit enough to be involved in the 3-0 win over Manchester United before the international break, nor the 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Chiesa could make his maiden outing against Milan in Tuesday’s Champions League opener ahead of Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth at Anfield.