Napoli respond to transfer interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli has insisted that the club have no interest in selling star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the January transfer window.

90min reported last week that Gli Azzurri were hopeful of tying the Georgia international down to a new contract following his fast start to life in Italy.

Every top team from across Europe have eyes firmly on Kvaratskhelia’s progress, with Newcastle the latest team to be touted with an interest. When asked about the Magpies’ interest in the forward, Giuntoli told Sport Express: “No, there’s no chance we will let him go [in January].

“It doesn’t depend on the fee or on the proposal; he will just stay with us.”

Kvaratskhelia recently gave a talk at the Federico II University and revealed why he’s already fallen in love with Napoli following his summer move from Dinamo Batumi.

“Neapolitans live for football, I realised that from the very first moment I arrived here,” he said.

“The first time I played at the Stadio Maradona is when I truly felt like a professional footballer.

“The people of Naples expect a lot from us, so it’s important to always work at the highest level. I thank them, because they give us so much love.

“Neapolitans and Georgians both put family first and foremost, which is also why I feel so at home here.”

90min understands that in addition to Kvaratskhelia, Napoli are confident of agreeing a new deal with South Korea defender Kim Min-jae.