Manchester United's transfer strategy has taken a intriguing turn, as reports emerge of a potential swap deal involving star forward Marcus Rashford.
With the Red Devils' hierarchy weighing their options, Liverpool's interest in a key target has seemingly sparked a flurry of 'enquiries' and 'talks' that could reshape the Premier League landscape.
But what does this development mean for Rashford's future, and how might it impact the title ambitions of two English football giants?
The Red Devils are reportedly interested in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a result of Napoli's discussions on a possible move for Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.
Alejandro Garnacho and Rashford were both left out of the Red Devils' 2-1 victory over bitter rivals Man City in the Manchester Derby in mid-December by the team's manager.
However, Rashford was subsequently excluded from the next two games as well, with Ruben Amorim citing "selection" as the cause for leaving the Manchester United forward out of his team for their Premier League games against Bournemouth and Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
Rashford told reporter Henry Winter that he is prepared for a "new challenge" away from Old Trafford after being left out of their match against Man City.
Just before Christmas, Man Utd head coach Amorim stated that he would "forget the interview now" and move on, evaluating Rashford only on his on-field exploits.
"It is a difficult situation," Amorim said to Sky Sports. I am aware that these athletes make decisions that are not their initial thought because of the large number of individuals in their immediate vicinity.
"As a fellow player, I am always available to assist Marcus. I must do what must be done. Since it's not only Marcus, they decided to do the interview. I recognize that.
"As a coach, I concentrate on training methods and performance. When the time comes, it will be preferable for the club and me to handle the remaining issues.
With the January transfer market being open and Manchester United eager to raise funds for possible incomings, Rashford has reportedly attracted attention from a number of clubs.
According to an exclusive with Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, our friends at TEAMtalk assert that during negotiations to sell Rashford to Napoli, Manchester United brought up Kvaratskhelia.
"Recent talks between Manchester United and Napoli initially focused on Marcus Rashford and included inquiries about the Georgian winger, who is on United's shortlist as his potential replacement," the journalist asserts.
The Napoli winger is reportedly "open" to a summer transfer if he is unable to reach an agreement with the Serie A team. Although Manchester United is "still tracking the player," it is unclear if they will be interested after June because they now need reinforcement in January.