At this point in time Liverpool seemed destined to lose the race for a player they have held great admiration for, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. However, one ex-Red has provided a lift for Arne Slot, believing the head coach already possesses a superior player.

Last week the ECHO reported the Georgian prodigy to be of interest to Liverpool chiefs throughout his two-and-a-half years with Napoli, though contact had been made about a January transfer as his request to leave was confirmed. Also long-term admirers, Paris Saint-Germain were at the front of the queue.

And their efforts have seen them strike a deal on Tuesday, says Fabrizio Romano. Additional information from RMC Sport explains this is worth €80m (£67.5m) in total, offering a four-and-a-half-year contract worth up to five times his salary in Italy. A medical is now expected to be completed in the coming days before an official announcement.

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But missing out on the 23-year-old need not he be-all and end-all for the Reds, explains Danny Murphy to OLBG.

"I’m not convinced by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, I don’t think it’s a get him at all costs situation for Liverpool.

"I think Luis Diaz is a better player than Kvaratskhelia as well as Mohamed Salah.

"If he came to Liverpool he would be sitting on the bench as a squad player, he is a talent but his numbers aren’t amazing and there are plenty of players like that around.

"It would depend on value and how much he might cost, but Liverpool have six forwards and you’re not going to spend a huge amount of money on a player that won’t get into the starting XI."

Murphy is correct in that Liverpool already possess a player at the peak of his powers in Diaz.

This season under Slot he has enjoyed playing in both his natural left-wing and a new central forward berth, scoring 12 and assisting twice in all competitions thus far.

Cody Gakpo would have provided additional competition for Kvaratskhelia on the left flank too, as he has also flourished on the side for the new head coach.

The Dutchman's tally for 2024/25 stands at 12 goals and four assists.