Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Fabrizio Romano (YouTube)

Liverpool’s summer transfer window is entering its final stretch, and the club is urgently seeking reinforcements at centre-back.

With Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as the first-choice pair, Liverpool’s defensive depth is stretched thin.

Joe Gomez, the only backup option, is currently sidelined with injury, leaving the Reds with a glaring hole in the squad.

This lack of cover is a major concern as the team aims to defend its Premier League title and push deeper in other competitions.

The urgency to strengthen this position is clear.

Liverpool need more than just three centre-backs to compete on multiple fronts without risking burnout or vulnerability to injuries.

With that in mind, the club is exploring several options.

While a few names have been linked, one target is beginning to emerge as a clear favorite, attracting significant attention within the Liverpool camp.

Italian football expert Fabrizio Romano has now shed light on the club’s focus.

According to Romano, Liverpool’s interest in a young, promising centre-back from Serie B is growing stronger.

He said, “Giovanni Leoni is very well liked at Liverpool.”

”He’s highly regarded because he’s one of the most promising young centre-backs currently around.”

”Everyone really likes Leoni, we know about Inter [and] Juve.”

”Really all the big clubs have made moves for Leoni to understand the situation.”

Romano explained that while other top Italian clubs like Inter Milan and Juventus have shown interest, no firm negotiations with Parma, Leoni’s current club, have taken place.

“They still hope to keep the player.”

“It’s clear that if Liverpool were to decide on Leoni, that would change everything.”

“It would be difficult for others to compete.”

At only 18 years old, Leoni is seen as a long-term investment with a strong physical presence.

Standing 6ft 4in, he is praised for his defensive command and aerial ability.

The reported asking price is around €35 million (£30 million), a reasonable fee for a player with such potential.

Liverpool’s pull and financial muscle could prove decisive.

However, the competition is fierce?

Romano also noted interest from Inter Milan, with Corriere dello Sport reporting a “market duel” between Inter and AC Milan for Leoni.

While Inter is waiting to finalize other transfers, Milan may jump in, adding pressure on Liverpool to act quickly.

With just weeks left in the window, Liverpool will need to move fast if they want to secure this promising defender and shore up their defence for the battles ahead.

Read more: Parma reject Liverpool bid for defender
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone