Exclusive: Liverpool have made Khvicha Kvaratskhelia transfer decision which 'fans may not be happy with'
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Exclusive with Graeme Bailey
Liverpool have decided not to press ahead with a deal to sign Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Rousing The Kop understands.
The Reds are long-term admirers of Kvaratskhelia and had been put on alert after the Georgian surprisingly became available this month.
However, RTK understands that Liverpool have now chosen not to rival PSG for Kvaratskhelia’s signature.
The player himself was understood to be open to joining the Reds, but is also very keen on a move to Paris, which now looks likely to happen.
According to RTK transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are confident that their decision – while it may be unpopular with supporters – is the right one.
Liverpool confident on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia decision
Liverpool were never actively planning to add Kvaratskhelia to their squad this January.
But having tracked the player for so long, it’s understood that they felt they had to explore the potential option once it came about.
According to Bailey, though, the Reds have an alternative plan in place and will stick to their guns regardless of outside noise.
“Liverpool love Kvaratskhelia but making a move for him in this January was never part of the plan,” he says.
“However, PSG coming in has obviously alerted them. He has been discussed, but they have plans in place and they are confident with that they are doing.
“Some fans may not be happy, and when you add the out of contract trio to the fact you can see why,” Bailey adds. “But let’s not forget that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes inherited this situation. It’s a big six months coming for them.”
Liverpool working to extend Luis Diaz contract
While it is now apparant that Kvaratskhelia will not be part of Arne Slot’s front-line rebuild at Liverpool, fans will be left wondering exactly who will be.
Had the 23-year-old been signed, it would have certainly posed questions about the future of Luis Diaz, for example.
But despite recent suggestions that Diaz is not happy with his contract negotiations at Liverpool, RTK understands that the Reds are still confident of extending the Colombian’s stay at Anfield.
It’s understood that although discussions with Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are delaying matters, Diaz is expected to sign a new deal before the end of the current season.
In the meantime, RTK have been informed that Liverpool will continue to monitor the market in regard to attacking additions.
