Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Newcastle? - Why huge claims on Napoli star could carry some truth...

On Saturday, Eddie Howe told the local press that our budget was "strict" as we continue to battle against FFP restrictions. Less than 24 hours later, the Italian media report that we've launched a big-money bid for Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

According to Corriere dello Sport, we've offered £82m for the electric winger following his stunning season in Serie A; earning him the nickname “Kvaradona."

It seems like a stretch given our ongoing battle with FFP and supposed lack of funds, however, this isn't the first time we've been tipped to make a move for the Georgian sensation.

Back in December, The Times' Martin Hardy - a well-known North East reporter - said we'd identified the 22-year-old as a 'major transfer target' over the next two windows. We're two windows on and the link has remerged.

Again, these big claims from Italy could be nonsense and a total non-starter, but The Athletic have reported all summer that we're in the market for two 'elite-level' signings. One has arrived in Sandro Tonali and signing another Serie A star in Kvaratskhelia would be a major statement and incredible coup.

I'm not holding my breath, but I wouldn't rule it out if finances allowed for it.