Former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock has suggested that Liverpool should consider Napoli sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a potential replacement for Mo Salah if the Egyptian forward were to leave Anfield. Salah has been the subject of strong interest, with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad making bids during the summer, all of which were rejected by Liverpool.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Warnock stated, “Everyone’s replaceable… I wouldn’t sell him [Salah] in January but maybe next season, but only if you’ve got someone else lined up. You’d have to have someone exciting lined up, the one player that springs to mind is Kvaratskhelia. He’s the one player you look at where you think he’s young and has potential and can play.”

However, acquiring Kvaratskhelia won’t be a budget-friendly move. The Georgian winger’s agent mentioned in November of the previous year that a deal would be valued at around €100 million (£87 million), a price that has likely risen since then. Kvaratskhelia had an outstanding season, scoring 14 goals and providing 17 assists as Napoli clinched Serie A and reached the Champions League quarter-finals.

Kvaratskhelia has carried his impressive performances into the current season, with one goal and four assists to his name. He still has four years remaining on his contract with Napoli.

In contrast, Mo Salah continues to excel with Liverpool, having scored six goals and provided four assists in all competitions. Salah is 31 years old, while Kvaratskhelia is only 22, making the Georgian winger a potential long-term option if Liverpool decides to pursue him as Salah’s successor.