Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s transfer claim suggests that Liverpool is “eyeing $27 million for the next Paul Pogba.”

During the summer transfer season, Liverpool gave Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Manu Koné some thought, but ultimately decided there were better options available. In the end, Jürgen Klopp brought in Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton), Dominik Szoboszlai (RB Leipzig), Wataru Endō (Stuttgart) and Ryan Gravenberch (Bayern Munich).

However, the Italian website Calciomercato claims that Juventus, of Serie A, and Liverpool are still interested in Koné. The 22-year-old is reportedly considered as a Paul Pogba successor.

According to the article, Mönchengladbach valued Koné at around double that amount, or about $43 million (£34 million/€40 million), but would now be willing to sell him for as little as $27 million (£22 million/€25 million).

Thiago Alcântara’s contract is due to expire at the end of the current campaign, meaning that Liverpool will require additional midfield players soon. Even at that price, though, it’s unclear if Koné is the better option.

In all honesty, price isn’t the primary factor that will decide whether Liverpool moves forward or not. Liverpool is willing to spend heavily when it feels like it, as seen by the record-breaking bid for Moisés Caicedo. Sixth place blockbuster status is still a major prerequisite.

Journalist Luca Marchetti of Sky Italia has stated that Napoli should give star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia a higher wage since Liverpool sees him as a potential Mohamed Salah substitute.

Although the Reds do not want to lose Salah, Saudi Arabia is probably going to show more interest. Marchetti claimed via Sport Witness that because Kvaratskhelia is now paid relatively little, Liverpool would pose a “threat” to Napoli.

After a breakthrough season in Serie A, Kvaratskhelia might potentially cost several times that, having only moved to Napoli for $13 million (£10 million/€12 million) last summer. Last season, during the Champions League group stage, he also contributed to Liverpool’s demolishment.