By George Overhill

8th Sep, 2022 | 6:40pm

Leeds United would have been 'great fit' for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as Napoli man stars v Liverpool

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would have been perfect for Leeds United according to journalist Ryan Taylor, after the young Georgian starred for Napoli against Liverpool in the Champions League.

The Whites were after the 21-year-old attacker at various times over the past year, having held talks with him in the 2021 summer transfer window, and were then leading the race to sign him once the Russian invasion of Ukraine put players in the country up for grabs earlier this year [Il Mattino].

After a brief spell in his home country with Dinamo Batumi the winger eventually joined Napoli where he is fast becoming a star, and Express reporter Taylor has highlighted what a missed opportunity that looks to have been for United.

Writing on his personal Twitter account during the match in Italy Taylor said: “Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Special, special talent.”

Then after a fan expressed his frustration at the fact that the Whites had missed out on his Taylor responded with: “Would have been such a great fit for Leeds, too.”

Close but no cigar

As one Whites star appeared to be heading for the exit in Raphinha over the second half of last season it looked like they might be able to bring in one from the next generation, but as with the January pursuit of Brenden Aaronson it proved fruitless.

Victor Orta was very keen on the international, and with four goals and two assists across his first six appearances for the Italians it isn’t hard to see why.

He was instrumental as Napoli took Jurgen Klopp’s side apart this week and having done so on the big stage his price is sure to be sky-rocketing from what he was available for earlier this year.

Orta may have got his man eventually in Aaronson but unless there is a major influx of cash from the 49ers in the next year or so, and the club climbs up the Premier League at the same time, it doesn’t look like he will get another opportunity with this one.

The signing of Luis Sinisterra looks to be a strong one as the Colombian has shown flashes of real quality since he came back from injury, and that will soften the blow of missing out on Kvaratskhelia.

But if he continues on the upward trajectory he is on right now it will be difficult for Orta or United fans to not curse the one that got away.

In other Leeds United news, the club are now in line for major new sponsorship deals from global brands.