Liverpool have reportedly rejected a loan enquiry for centre-back Giovanni Leoni, who will be scouted “weekly” following his long-awaited return from an ACL injury.
Leoni is expected to resume full training in the coming days after more than a year on the sidelines following an ACL tear on his Liverpool debut.
The 19-year-old was named Man of the Match in that 2-1 victory over Southampton but remains regarded as a key part of the club’s future.
To that end, Liverpool have rejected an enquiry from Juventus over a potential loan move, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
However, it is claimed that Juventus “haven’t given up” and will have scouts monitor the Italian defender “on a weekly basis.”
Giovanni Leoni is reportedly in “pole position” as Juventus look to build around a new Italian core, with Frosinone’s Lorenzo Palmisani, Brentford’s Michael Kayode and Fiorentina’s Cher Ndour also targets.
Liverpool have no intention of loaning Leoni and instead plan to gradually reintroduce him under Andoni Iraola.
Despite his lengthy absence, Leoni can return without immediate pressure, with Iraola boasting a strong group of centre-backs.
Jeremy Jacquet has impressed alongside Virgil van Dijk, while Ronald Araujo and Joe Gomez provide capable alternatives.
That should allow Leoni to ease back into action, potentially through domestic cup appearances.
Van Dijk and Gomez are both entering the final year of their contracts, while Araujo’s future remains uncertain despite a £49million buy clause in his loan from Barcelona.
The long-term pathway is therefore clear for Leoni, who could eventually form a formidable partnership with Jacquet.
Liverpool also have Ifeanyi Ndukwe returning from a loan at Levante and continue to hold high hopes for Mor Talla Ndiaye.
“When a team like Liverpool calls you, it’s hard not to look at them differently,” Leoni told La Gazzetta dello Sport in January. “I have to say that every day I believe the Premier League was the best choice.”
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