Newcastle United have launched a club record £82m transfer bid to sign Napoli attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as they prepare for a friendly with Rangers.
That’s according to Corriere dello Sport, who are claiming that the Saudi-backed Premier League outfit are ready to smash the £56m fee they paid last season for Swedish striker Alexander Isak.
The report claims that Newcastle United are yet to hear back from Napoli regarding the bid for Kvaratskhelia, which means he’s very unlikely to be involved in tonight’s friendly against Rangers.
Coming off the back of a barnstorming season with the Serie A champions, Napoli hold all the cards when it comes to the Georgian attacker who just signed a new five year contract in the summer.
Not that Rangers fans will be too disappointed not to see Khvicha Kvaratskhelia rock up to Ibrox with Newcastle United; the winger played at Ibrox last season in a 3-0 Champions League defeat to Napoli.
Newcastle linked to Kvaratskhelia ahead of Rangers friendly
Rangers are gearing up to play Newcastle United in a special testimonial clash in honour of club legend Allan McGregor which is set to be played in front of a sell-out crowd.
The Ibrox Hall of Famer has been spotted returning to club training ahead of the game as he prepares for an almighty send-off from the adoring Rangers legions.
The Gers have also given the Toon Army the entire Broomloand Stand for the clash, with a new singing section set to be trialled in the Copland Road stand in the friendly.
The match will also be a chance to see some of the Ibrox side’s new signings this season, with the club already announcing seven new players this summer.
Newcastle United too, whilst they won’t be signing Kvaratskhelia before this game, have also made some big signings with AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali already arriving this summer.
The Geordies also have several high-profile players in their squad, including Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and England international Kieran Trippier, so the match promises to be a special occasion.
