Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has moved to steer the conversation away from wantaway star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia amid Liverpool links. Over the weekend, it was revealed that the Georgia international had handed in a transfer request as interest begins to intensify.

Paris Saint-Germain are widely considered favourites to sign the 23-year-old. Liverpool are admirers of the Georgian but the ECHO reported last week that the Reds had yet to make contact following a report from The Athletic, which claimed that Arne Slot's side could move for the winger.

Already Liverpool have a wealth of attacking firepower in wide areas with Kvaratskhelia named as a possible addition to their ranks. The Reds are long-standing admirers but should they look to make a move, they will be rivalled by PSG and Chelsea for the latest high-profile exit from Naples.

READ MORE: Liverpool 'consider £50m swap deal' as Wataru Endo handed transfer option

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher sends 'brilliant' Liverpool star two-word message as major transfer hint dropped

Despite the distraction surrounding the attacker's future, Napoli extended their lead at the top of Serie A to four points following their 2-0 win over Hellas Verona. Kvaratskhelia was a notable omission from the side as Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa rounded off the scoring after the hosts were gifted the lead when Lorenzo Montipo converted into his own net.

Conte said: "We need to stay concentrated on the pitch and not transfer anything else to the players or those around us. We worked well, I saw the team focused and we were able to prepare for this match."

Speaking ahead of their latest Serie A clash, the Italian tactician revealed that Kvaratskhelia's intent had been made clear: "We are talking about an important player.

"Last summer I spoke to the president and I wanted to have some technical certainties by demanding the confirmation of some important players.

"Even though he and others had asked to be sold, I worked on it and managed to keep who I wanted. Khvicha has asked the club to be sold. 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 did not succeed. We are losing an important player."