Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has appeared to distance his club from a move for Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the January transfer window amid new links to Manchester United.

This week, Slot's men were reported to be interested in making a move for Kvaratskhelia this winter should it become obvious that the Georgian will be departing the Italian club. It is reported by The Athletic that Liverpool do not have a burning desire to sign another winger but are long term admirers of the 23-year-old.

PSG and Chelsea were also named as being interested in Kvaratskhelia but United were a new team added into the mix by L'Equipe in France. According to their information, United have held 'concrete talks' with the star and are looking to compete with the Parisians who are deemed to be favourites for his signature.

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In his pre-match press conference before facing Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round, Slot was asked for his thoughts on potentially signing Kvaratskhelia and other players in January. However, the Dutchman chose to distance himself and the club from interest in the Georgian.

"When you said they are linked with clubs...we are all linked," Slot told the assembled media. "Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, it is January and I said after West Ham don't disappoint me, with links.

"That is what is happening now 99 out of 100 times at the end of the window, almost all of these stories are untrue, so what can I comment about? The rumours keep going but no comments from my side."

It is understood that should United, Liverpool or any other club want to sign the 23-year-old this winter, they would have to pay out somewhere between £67-70m. Napoli are thought to be open to the idea of him leaving but are not interested in letting him leave for anything less than his worth.