Liverpool are close to signing Parma’s teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni for an initial fee of £26m. The 18-year-old was a target for several Italian and Premier League clubs after impressing for Parma last season but Liverpool look to have beaten off the competition as they attempt to increase Arne Slot’s defensive options.
Manchester United were among the Premier League clubs to register interest in the defender. Inter had hoped to reunite Leoni with the former Parma coach Cristian Chivu but were unable to match the financial offer from Liverpool.