Man City want cheap transfer for Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after destroying Liverpool in Champions League

MANCHESTER CITY are eyeing Georgia striker billed as new Georgi Kinkladze.

Napoli striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has a growing flock of admirers including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain after a stellar first three months in Italy.

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Now City are showing great interest – and the Kvaratskhelia have an affection for them because of Kinkladze, who is a cult figure for his unforgettable stay there in the 1990s.

The Georgia international, who can play anywhere in the front three, was a key figure in Napoli’s 4-1 Champions League win over Liverpool.

Kvaratskhelia, 21, starred with Rubin Kazan but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine allowed foreign players to have their contracts suspended.

He spent four months in his home country at Dinamo Batumi last season before joining Serie A as a £10m snip.

Despite Napoli signing him on a five-year deal, they are keen to get him a better deal so they can insert a £65million buy-out clause.

But Kvaratskhelia, who has already scored seven goals, is holding back so far as he weighs his options.

And City are hoping Kinkladze’s links with them, if they reaffirm their interest, will put them in pole position.

Kinky, as he was nicknamed by the fans, still keeps in touch with his old club and believes his compatriot has what it takes to succeed in England.

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Meanwhile, the shattered duo of Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips will step up their recovery efforts this week and are on track to claim the World Championship.

Walker, a certainty for the England squad, had groin surgery while Phillips had shoulder surgery last month.

Boss Pep Guardiola admitted on Friday he is pleased with their progress – and the two have been given the green light to step up their core work and cardio fitness.

They will be back in the gym this week and while the club won’t risk any longer-term injuries by pushing them back, hopes are growing that both make it to Qatar.