Liverpool do not wish to part ways with Federico Chiesa this January and the feeling is mutually shared. However, it appears any move for the summer signing would actually put a major dent in Manchester United's transfer plans.

Since his arrival from Juventus last August Chiesa's appearances for Liverpool have been few and far between. This has been down to a building of match fitness over a number of months, which in turn has given life to speculation of an immediate return to his homeland.

Yet Arne Slot remains pleased with the progress of his recruit, who was joyous netting his first goal for the club in front of The Kop last weekend. What's more, his agent has stamped out any suggestion of a move once and for all.

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Chiesa has been tied to the recent story of Kvicha Kvaratskhelia moving from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain. The 23-year-old admired by the Reds now seems destined to wrap up an €80m (£67.5m) switch this month, with a replacement now needed.

The Independent freshly report Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho is the top target. Whilst he has fallen out of favour with new manager Ruben Amorim, Liverpool's rivals have moved the player from the 'not for sale' list.

That is owing to the fact they are in a tight spot with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) so must raise funds to comply, then secondary to that fund a rebuild of Amorim's squad. It is said they are commanding around £70m for the Argentine.

Albeit reluctantly, the Reds could therefore offer an alternative at the fraction of the price and scupper the masterplan at Old Trafford.

Walter Sabatini, sporting director of numerous Serie A clubs like Roma, Inter and Salernitana over the past two decades, certainly thinks Chiesa is the better option.

He told Calcio Mercato: "I don’t like discussing potential replacements for the Georgian that the press has been speculating about, however I can say that Garnacho is strong but inconsistent, without a defined role, and he doesn’t convince me much.

"Chiesa, on the other hand, could do well under Conte, as Federico is a great player. I am astonished that he hasn’t found space in the Premier League. He’s fast, physically resilient, and has excellent skills in attacking and sacrificing for the team."