Liverpool are set to secure the signing of teenage defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma.
The Reds look set to step up their summer activity in the coming days, having reached an agreement to bring in Leoni, who has been tracked for several weeks.
The 18-year-old appears to be edging closer to a move to Anfield, with Arne Slot seeking a new centre-back following Jarell Quansah’s recent transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
While several high-profile defenders have been linked, Liverpool seem to have settled on Leoni as a long-term option. Despite his age, he has already cemented his place in Parma’s first team, making 17 appearances last season and scoring against Cagliari on just his second league start.
According to Sky Germany, a ‘full verbal agreement’ has been reached, and Leoni is keen to make the switch immediately. Although the transfer fee is yet to be finalised, talks with Parma are reportedly at an advanced stage.
Once the deal is completed, Liverpool are expected to turn their attention to Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park. This situation leaves Palace under pressure to sell.
Slot appeared to show his interest before the Community Shield last weekend, stopping to chat with Guehi in the Wembley tunnel ahead of kick-off. Palace went on to stun Liverpool by winning on penalties.
Palace chairman Steve Parish has acknowledged that Guehi will be allowed to leave if the right offer is made, with his valuation thought to be around £50million. Whether Liverpool meet that figure remains to be seen.
Should they decide against paying the asking price, the club could wait until next summer to sign the England international on a free. However, delaying the move could open the door for rival clubs to step in and secure his services.
Therefore, it would be in Liverpool’s best interest to finalise a deal before the transfer window shuts at the start of next month.
The Reds have also been tipped to rekindle their interest in Alexander Isak, who is reportedly eager to leave Newcastle in the coming weeks. The striker is said to have told the Magpies that he will not play for them again until a transfer is secured.
Earlier this month, Liverpool submitted an offer in the region of £110million, which Newcastle swiftly rejected. Reports later suggested that no second bid was planned, with the Merseyside club withdrawing from talks.
However, Fabrizio Romano claims Liverpool could return with another proposal if there are signs that Newcastle are willing to negotiate.
Time is quickly running out for the Reds to secure both targets before the deadline, but these deals are expected to be at the forefront of their plans once Leoni’s move is completed.
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