Napoli striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the latest player to be linked with a move to Liverpool as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah who has just one year left on his remaining contract.

Kvaratskhelia is considered one of the best young strikers in Europe following his impressive performances for Napoli in recent seasons. He has been instrumental in Napoli’s 2022/23 Serie A success.

The 23-year-old made 43 appearances, scored 14 goals and registered 17 assists in all competitions for the Serie A side as they won their third league title.

The Georgian struggled to replicate his stellar performances last season as he missed out on qualification for the Champions League after finishing 10th in the championship. Kvaratskhelia has scored 11 goals and provided nine assists in 45 matches in all competitions.

This season he has had a good start for Napoli, who currently top the Serie A table with 26 points under former Inter Milan, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte.

Last summer, Kvaratskhelia was linked with a move away from the club, however, Napoli made it clear in an official statement that the Georgia international would not be sold. His current contract expires in the summer of 2027, potentially opening up the possibility of a move next summer.

According to Team discussion, Liverpool have identified Kvaratskhelia as a potential replacement for Salah, but face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for his signature. Barcelona are also said to be very interested in the striker.

Napoli are yet to reach an agreement with the player on a new deal, sparking keen interest. PSG wanted to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia last summer, but the move fell through as they wanted to offer defender Milan Skriniar in a player-plus-cash deal for the winger.

“PSG could make up for it by offering Skriniar, who (Antonio) Conte really appreciates,” said journalist Emanuele Cammaroto on Radio Punto Zero.

“He earns 9 million euros per season, so PSG would have to share his salary. Napoli are ready to renew Kvara’s contract, but they could start considering offers after 2025.”

It was also reported that Barcelona had opened talks with Napoli over a transfer for Kvaratskhelia which could reach €80m (£66.7m), but the Catalans’ current financial situation could not allow them to move forward with the deal.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is looking for potential replacements for Salah, with the Egypt international yet to extend his contract which expires at the end of the season.

Salah’s compatriot and Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmouch has been linked with a move to Anfield, however, Kvaratskhelia is also on Liverpool’s shortlist.