Newcastle United have allegedly identified Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a potential transfer target.

The Magpies are currently enjoying their best Premier League campaign for a decade, sitting in third position in the standings ahead of the resumption after the World Cup.

Despite Newcastle currently not being in a position where they can spend excessively due to FFP, the North East outfit are expected to be active during the January window.

As it stands, it is unclear which areas Eddie Howe may look to strengthen given the consistency that his squad have produced since the beginning of August.

Nevertheless, at some stage in their progression, they will naturally be looking to make another statement in the transfer market as they bid to match the top clubs in English football.

According to The Times, Newcastle hold an interest in signing emerging talent Kvaratskhelia in one of the upcoming transfer windows.

While the 21-year-old is only in his first season in Naples, he has already proven to be one of the deals of the summer with his contributions in Serie A and the Champions League.

Six goals and five assists have come in Italy's top flight, helping Napoli establish an eight-point lead in first place, while two strikes and three assists have been recorded in European football's premier competition.

Those closest to the Georgia international are aware of rumours which have followed his rise to prominence since making the switch to Italy, his father insisting that full focus remains on representing Gli Azzurri.

Speaking to Imedi TV in November, Badri Kvaratskhelia said: "Nobody has spoken to us about the contract yet. At this stage, Khvicha doesn't even think about it, he only thinks about playing. Khvicha is informed about market rumours, but it doesn't influence him at all.

"When you are in the stands of the Napoli stadium and your surname is shouted by 60,000 fans, this feeling cannot be conveyed. Especially when it's a footballer coming from the Georgian league. I was always convinced that Khvicha would do well from the start."

The report suggests that Newcastle would need to pay in the region of £50m for Kvaratskhelia, who cost approximately €10m in July.

However, with over four-and-a-half years still remaining on his contract, Napoli would likely demand well in excess of that alleged figure if they were to consider a sale in the foreseeable future. body check tags ::