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IMAGE CREDITS: Parma Calcio 1913

Liverpool have spent heavily to strengthen their attack ahead of the new season.

While they remain eager to secure the signature of Alexander Isak, head coach Arne Slot is also focused on bolstering the defence.

The Reds are pushing to sign two new central defenders before the transfer window closes.

DaveOCKOP exclusively revealed that Liverpool are willing to pay up to £30m up front for Marc Guehi, but Crystal Palace are hoping for a fee closer to £40m.

Talks are progressing between the clubs and it is believed that an agreement will be found.

Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni is also on Liverpool’s radar as they look to add at least one new centre-back to Slot’s squad in the final phase of the window.

Leoni has steadily progressed since joining Parma from Sampdoria last summer.

Although he spent much of the first half of the season on the bench, the 18-year-old fought his way into the starting lineup and became a key figure in the second half of the campaign.

He racked up 17 league appearances and scored once for Parma?

While primarily deployed as a central defender, Leoni has also been utilised as a right-back on occasion.

His strong performances have attracted interest from several top clubs.

Italian giants Inter Milan are keen to strengthen their ageing defence and have shown interest in Leoni.

However, they face stiff competition from Premier League champions Liverpool.

The 18-year-old is keen to move to Anfield this summer.

According to Nicolo Schira, Giovanni Leoni has agreed personal terms with the Reds.

Writing on X, Nicolo Schira said “Agreement in principle between Giovanni #Leoni and #Liverpool for a contract until 2031.

“#LFC’s are set to offer €35M to #Parma to sign him, even if #Reds could remake the same strategy used last year for Mamardashvili: Leoni will stay at Parma on loan until June ‘26.”

Read more: Oliver Glasner stance on Marc Guehi revealed

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