Serie A star’s stance on Newcastle United and Arsenal ‘interest’ revealed

Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia paid little attention to interest from Newcastle United and Arsenal - according to reports in Italy.

The Georgian international has become one of the most in-demand wingers in European football after playing a lead role in his side’s historic Serie A title win last season. Kvaratskhelia scored 14 goals and provided 17 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions as Napoli claimed the Scudetto for the first time since the days of Diego Maradona.

His form attracted attention from several clubs across Europe and Newcastle have been linked with a highly ambitious move for the 22-year-old on several occasions in recent months. But with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said to be keen to extend his current contract, Kvaratskhelia’s stance on interest from elsewhere has been revealed in a report from Il Mattino.

The report states: “His salary weighs about 1.5 million euros on the balance sheet of the blue company (Napoli) and his performance is stellar. He didn’t wobble when he heard about Newcastle and the interest of the English club owned by the PIF. He is annoyed by the new whispers that speak of Arsenal: for Napoli it is untouchable, it has always been. For everyone the answer will be that it is incredible.”

Former Magpies midfielder joins Championship club

Former Newcastle and Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback has penned a two-year deal at Championship club Queens Park Rangers.

The 33-year-old has been without a club since he left Nottingham Forest last month after playing a part in helping Steve Cooper’s side preserve their Premier League status. However, his search for a new club is now over and Rangers manager Gareth Ainsworth has revealed just why he feels Colback is an ideal addition to his squad.

He told the club website: “He is a great player and he had one or two other suitors but he chose QPR because he wants to buy into what we are trying to do here, which is great. He will add energy and experience to us. He has got quality on the ball, but he has tenacity off it and a winning mentality, which will hopefully be contagious.”