NEWCASTLE have identified Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a major transfer target, according to reports.
Kvaratskhelia, 21, has been lighting up the Serie A and the Champions League with Napoli.
AFPKhvicha Kvaratskhelia has been a star for Napoli this season[/caption]
GettyHe caused nightmares for Liverpool’s defence in the 4-1 loss to Napoli[/caption]
The winger has eight goals and 10 assists in 17 games for the Italian giants this season.
And following his good form he has now gained the attention of financial powerhouses Newcastle.
The Toon are on the lookout for ways to improve their team, and have already landed major talent on the continent such as Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes.
Kvaratskhelia is the latest star identified to improve their team.
The Times report Newcastle sent scouts to watch the Georgian prior to the World Cup.
Their findings have determined the Magpies will make him one of their primary targets in the next two transfer windows.
The report suggests Kvaratskhelia, affectionately nicknamed “Kravadona” by Napoli fans in reference to club legend Diego Maradona, is rated in the region of £50million.
This represents a big profit line for Napoli considering their investment of just £10m in acquiring him from Dinamo Batumi last summer.
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However, Newcastle will face stiff competition from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, with the pair also monitoring him.
Kvaratskhelia represents a new breed of winger which is both technically brilliant and physically imposing – with Manchester United transfer target Cody Gakpo another example.
He stands at 6ft tall, is quick, and has footwork not too unlike his Argentian namesake.
Indeed, his dangerous exploits were made painfully aware to Liverpool in the Champions League as he starred in the 4-1 demolition of Jurgen Klopp’s side in September.