Liverpool are close to finalising a deal for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, with talks expected to conclude within the next 24 hours, according to talkSPORT.
The transfer is believed to be in the region of £30million.
The Reds are aiming to strengthen their defence this summer, with both Leoni and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi reportedly on their radar.
Leoni, who is under contract with Parma until 2029, has caught the attention of Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
Ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield defeat to Palace, Slot said: “We have more than enough options in that area, but if we see a chance in the market, we will not hesitate to act.”
The 18-year-old centre-back, already standing at around 6’4″, would become one of Liverpool’s tallest outfield players, on par with Virgil van Dijk and Rhys Williams, and just two inches shorter than goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Leoni previously played under Italy legend Andrea Pirlo at Sampdoria before joining Parma.
Speaking after Leoni’s Serie A debut, Pirlo praised him, saying: “We are dealing with a fantastic boy, and I was sure he would make it to Serie A. He deserves it.”
Reflecting on Leoni’s development in training, Pirlo added: “If someone had doubts about starting him from the first minute, I had none. He played as a mature youngster; he will become a strong footballer.”
Last season, Leoni made 17 Serie A appearances and will now have the opportunity to play alongside his footballing idol, Van Dijk.
The young defender has also cited former Manchester United and Roma defender Chris Smalling as another inspiration for his style of play, saying: “I take inspiration from Van Dijk and Smalling.”
This move would follow Liverpool’s heavy summer investment, with the club already spending £265.2million on Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
They have also strengthened their goalkeeping options, bringing in Hungarian youngster Armin Pecsi and veteran Freddie Woodman.
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