Newcastle table €95m bid for Napoli star as improved offer ready for Klopp’s ‘secret obsession’

Newcastle have reportedly made a €95m bid for Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and are ready to up that offer to land the Georgia international this summer.

Kvaratskhelia caught the eye through his stunning performances for Napoli last season following his £10m from Dinamo Batumi in the summer of 2022.

He got 14 goals and 17 assists in 43 appearances, including 25 goal contributions in Serie A to help Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been linked with the 22-year-old forward, and it’s not entirely clear how long his contract with Napoli is, though some Italian reports last month claimed he agreed to a one-year extension to take him through to 2028.

His agent said: “He has a long contract with Napoli, obviously there will be improvements but everything will happen when the season is over and we will meet the management. Anything else is written is false.

“There is our will and the will of the company to move forward together and find an agreement, so that Kvara can continue in Naples with an improved contract.”

But Newcastle have tabled a €95m to test Kvaratskhelia’s desire to stay in Naples and Napoli’s resolve to retain one of their prized assets, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The report claims Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is yet to respond to the offer, which Newcastle are said to be willing to increase to €100m.

Kvaratskhelia’s potential move to Newcastle would be a blow to Jurgen Klopp, who is thought to be a huge admirer.

A report in April claimed the winger is the German manager’s ‘secret obsession’ and he was trying to persuade the Reds to offer a mammoth sum to lure him to Anfield.

Newcastle’s pursuit of Kvaratskhelia could fuel further doubts over the future of Allan Saint-Maximin in Tyneside given speculation linking him away from the club.

But Eddie Howe reiterated earlier this week that he is pleased to continue working with the Frenchman.

He said: “I love Allan. I’ve said that many times. You see his quality today. When he went to his best position as a left winger, he was excellent. He took his goal really well. He’s come back in a good place mentally. I’m very pleased with him.”