Arne Slot has remained tight-lipped about a potential move from Liverpool for Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – claiming '99 out of 100' transfer stories are not true.
There has been speculation about the Georgian international's future this month, with the Reds touted as a potential suitor for the winger. Paris Saint-Germain currently believe they are in pole position to secure Kvaratskhelia's signature, despite interest from the Premier League.
The 23-year-old has seen the possibility of a surprise departure arise, with talks over a new contract at Napoli having so far failed to lead to a positive outcome. The Serie A giants are expected to demand a fee in excess of £70 million and PSG are yet to meet that figure and have instead attempted to offer players in exchange for Kvaratskhelia.
There is said to be long-standing admiration for the player at Anfield. However, Liverpool appear well-stocked in his position, with Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota all options for Slot on the left flank.
When the possibility of a transfer for Kvaratskhelia was presented to Slot, alongside a number of rumours, the Dutchman quickly removed himself from the discussion.
“When you said you were affiliated with,” I thought, 'What club is he going to say next?' But you mean that as a club we are connected to Kvaratskhelia,” Slot said.
“What I make of that is that this is January and I think I said it after the game against West Ham United [to journalists]please don't disappoint me, please come with all these players and all these clubs that are in our interest.
“Or those who don't play much for us go somewhere else. That.” [speculation] is what is happening now. And nine times out of ten or 99 times out of 100, by the end of the window it was clear that almost all of these stories were not true. So what can I say about it? Rumors continue to circulate about it, but there has been no comment from me.”
A possible exit for Harvey Elliott was also set in the direction of Slot. Injuries have only hit the 21-year-old nine times this season and the Liverpool boss admitted breaking into his team is no easy feat.
“He has participated a lot in recent weeks, but like everyone else, they are in competition with the others,” said Slot. “He was unlucky to get injured and be out for a long time.
“What I've seen with all the injured players in this league, with the quality, is that it's not that easy to come back and be at your best straight away. I see it with Harvey and all the other players who have had six or seven weeks off. have been out.” We have to find the balance between playing time to get them back to their best, but also to be able to win.”
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