By Pranav Shahaney

20th Nov, 2023 | 3:10pm

Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia among biggest Leeds United regret

Leeds United will certainly regret not pushing hard enough for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in 2021 as he now is on the radar of Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea.

The Napoli attacker has dazzled the Champions League with his breathtaking attacking play from the left flank and has proven to be a nightmare for every defence he’s played against.

It’s fair to say that if he is to leave this summer, a nine-figure fee will be demanded and perhaps even paid for him.

On Twitter, 90Min’s Graeme Bailey wrote, “Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and Newcastle make Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scouting trip.

“Kvaratskhelia is one of Europe’s most intriguing and in-demand talents.

“Napoli are hopeful of finalising new deal with the Georgian.”

The Georgian’s agent even namedropped Leeds back in 2021 which does mean that moves were being considered in that window.

A year later, Il Mattino reported that the Whites were the most interested in signing him but that move did not materialise.

The club wanted him when Marcelo Bielsa was in charge and the Argentine would undoubtedly have taken Kvaratskhelia’s game to the next level.

Kvaratskhelia, a lightning-quick winger, aligns well with Bielsa’s football philosophy that relies on quick transitions, pressing, and dynamic attacking movements – aspects in which the Georgian excels.

Known for his exceptional dribbling ability, vision, and versatility, Kvaratskhelia could have thrived in Bielsa’s demanding playing style.

Bielsa’s coaching emphasises positional play and off-the-ball movement, both of which are crucial for a winger like Kvaratskhelia to exploit spaces and create goal-scoring opportunities.

Bielsa’s intense training methods also help players improve their fitness and stamina, essential for the high-paced game he advocates.

The Napoli winger’s adaptability to different attacking roles would have allowed Bielsa to utilise him effectively in various positions across the front line.

Hopefully, the next time Leeds have the chance to sign a generational talent like this, they do not blow it.

In other Leeds United news, sources reveal that the Whites want to sign an EFL ‘Star’ and his club may be forced to sell him in January.