Manchester United’s chances of signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli in what would most likely have been a sensational Marcus Rashford January swap deal appear to have dwindled. The Georgia international has impressed in Serie A over the last few years, but now appears primed for a January exit from Italy.. Paris Saint-Germain quickly emerged as his most likely destination, but sensing an opportunity, Liverpool and United appeared to take a keen interest. While it initially appeared to be strong rumours, Napoli boss Antonio Conte confirmed that Kvaratskhelia had essentially handed in a transfer request.. “He (Kvaratskhelia) has asked the club to be sold,” Conte revealed on Saturday. “I am disappointed, I realised that it was a bolt from the blue and I am taking a step back. I would never want him to think that I have chained him here if he were to stay.. “I did it last summer thinking of convincing him of the goodness of the project, but evidently I didn’t succeed. We are losing an important player. We haven’t thought about how to replace him yet, it was a bolt from the blue and today the most important thing is tomorrow’s [Sunday’s] match against Verona.. “It’s right to leave the ball in the hands of the player’s entourage and the club. Personally, I have to try to make the most of the squad available, we can’t chain anyone down. If he stays, he should know full well that it’s a situation I haven’t managed to resolve yet.”. With Kvaratskhelia, seemingly, now destined to depart Napoli, a clear update on his expected new club has been provided by Fabrizio Romano amid talk of Rashford moving to Italy. “Kvaratskhelia will not sign a new deal and he will be available for transfer in the January window,” the Italian journalist said on his YouTube channel.. “Kvaratskhelia is close to joining Paris Saint-Germain, they are working on it. At the moment it is not a done deal, but PSG are the clear favourites.. “We heard about a swap deal with Manchester United for Rashford, but Napoli are not in the mix. We heard about many other clubs in England, it is obvious that they will call and ask about Kvaratskhelia when they heard the news that he is available on the market, but PSG remain the favourites.”. While Conte might want a replacement for the 23-year-old if he leaves mid-season, it does not look as though that will be Rashford. Nonetheless, an exit from Old Trafford still looks very likely, with the England international omitted from the squad travelling down to Emirates Stadium for their FA Cup third round tie against Arsenal.. Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!. Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.. Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here.. –. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
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