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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Napoli sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's dad responds to Premier League transfer links

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's dad insists the Napoli youngster is not focused on securing a Premier League transfer in the near future.

The Georgia international, 21, has burst on to the scene at Napoli this season, scoring seven goals in 15 games to get the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs. It's believed Manchester City and Liverpool both have the forward on their transfer shortlist.

Yet his dad Badri claims Kvaratskhelia is focused on achieving success at Napoli. "He's not focused on Premier League links or a new contract, at all - and no one told us of new deal negotiations," Badri told Imedi TV in an attempt to play down the rumours.

As reported by The Sun, City are keeping tabs on Kvaratskhelia - with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also interested. It's claimed Napoli want to give the winger a new deal to insert a £65million buy-out clause, despite him only joining the club in July.

Kvaratskhelia is said to be reluctant to sign a new contract and wants to evaluate his options first. City are reportedly hopeful of winning the race for his signature due to Georgian legend Georgi Kinkladze's association with the Manchester club.

As well as his scoring exploits, Kvaratskhelia has also provided eight assists this season - including one in Napoli's 4-1 win against Liverpool. The Italian giants are arguably one of the best teams in Europe right now - thanks in part to Kvaratskhelia's influence.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is believed to be a target for Manchester City (AFP via Getty Images)

Do you think Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will leave Napoli in the upcoming transfer window? Let us know in the comments below!

Napoli are three points clear of champions AC Milan at the top of Serie A and have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League. There is a belief they can end their 33-year wait for a top-flight title and go far in Europe this season.

Kvaratskhelia joined Napoli on a five-year deal in the summer after an intriguing start to his career. After stints at Georgian clubs Dinamo Tbilisi and Rustavi - as well as a brief loan spell at Lokomotiv Moscow - he joined Russian giants Rubin Kazan in July 2019.

Kvaratskhelia showed promise in Kazan by scoring nine goals in 69 Russian Premier League games to be named the competition's Best Young Player two years in-a-row. His contract was cancelled in March due to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The youngster returned to Georgia to play for Dinamo Batumi, and it was there where he caught the attention of Napoli. He scored eight goals and provided two assists in 11 games to be snapped up by the Serie A hopefuls for just £10m.

In terms of Kinkladze, he is regarded as one of the greatest players in Georgia's history and a City legend. The 57-cap international scored 22 goals in 121 games for the club and entertained fans at Maine Road - City's former home - between 1995 and 1998.

Kinkladze also spent three-and-a-half years at Derby, playing 100 games for the East Midlands club. His other former employers include Boca Juniors and Ajax.

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