Newcastle United 'would love' to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as key decision-makers behind the scenes feel the Napoli star would be a 'great fit' at St James' Park, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe, whose side went into the break from domestic action sitting third in the Premier League, will be handed an opportunity to strengthen his squad when the winter window opens at the turn of the year.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

Newcastle transfer news - Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

According to The Times, Kvaratskhelia has become one of Newcastle's priority targets after favourable scouting reports were put together before the World Cup.

The report suggests the Magpies are facing competition from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, who are monitoring the Georgia international's situation, while he is valued at £50million by current employers Napoli.

Manchester City and Liverpool have also been battling it out for Kvaratskhelia's signature since the campaign got underway.

But Newcastle and the winger's other suitors have suffered a blow in their pursuit as Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli has insisted there is 'no chance' that a winter deal will be negotiated.

It comes after Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor recently told GiveMeSport that Howe could splash the cash during the January transfer window if Financial Fair Play rules will not be broken.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Dean Jones said about Kvaratskhelia?

Jones understands that Kvaratskhelia has admirers behind the scenes at Newcastle, including from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, resulting in the club hoping to complete a big-money deal.

However, the journalist has serious doubts over whether Napoli will be willing to sanction his exit midway through the campaign.

Jones told GiveMeSport: "There are certainly some people within the club that see him as a great fit for what they're building.

"I'm sure they would love to have him, but this is one of the most coveted players in Europe. To be honest, I don't think he'll be leaving yet, so that's going to be one issue."

Would Kvaratskhelia be a good signing for Newcastle?

Kvaratskhelia has been in sensational form this season, scoring eight goals and registering a further 10 assists in 17 appearances, according to Transfermarkt.

The 21-year-old has played a pivotal role in Napoli's Serie A title tilt and gained the best average match rating from WhoScored - 7.55 - among his teammates.

Kvaratskhelia has also gained praise from the Italian side's former midfielder Marik Hamsik, who claimed the in-demand star is an 'incredible' dribbler.

It is clear that the Georgian is not afraid to contribute at the other end of the pitch as well, having averaged 1.3 tackles per Serie A outing this season, and that further emphasises that Newcastle should head to the negotiating table.

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here