Giovanni Leoni transfer details emerge as Liverpool had last laugh over Newcastle once again

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Parma CEO Federico Cherubini has revealed the Magpies were also pursuing Giovanni Leoni, only for the Italian defender to choose an Anfield switch.

Liverpool secured Alexander Isak from Newcastle on transfer deadline day in a record-breaking deal.

"We even turned down an offer from Newcastle, which was more advantageous than the one Liverpool eventually made.

"When the Reds came forward, our plans changed: both because the offer was very attractive and because Giovanni made it clear he was very happy to take advantage of this opportunity.

"On the one hand, it's obviously disappointing to have lost such a promising player, but on the other, there's pride in a club like ours and recognition for those who believed in this boy in unsuspecting times, when he'd only played a few games in Serie B."

Leoni was presented by Liverpool prior to their Premier League curtain-raiser against Bournemouth, having completed a $35M (£26m) switch earlier that same day.

He represents one of five Premier League representatives in the squad, with Manchester City newcomer Gianluigi Donnarumma also included, though Leoni's Liverpool colleague Federico Chiesa remains absent from international duty.

"I'm very happy to be here

It's a really great sensation and I'm honoured to be here," Leoni told club media after signing for Liverpool

When I saw this I said, 'Wow, this is crazy.' I'm very happy."

Should he not make an appearance against Burnley on 14 September, Leoni might have his Liverpool debut in the Champions League.

The Premier League champions kick off their European journey at home against Atletico Madrid three days post the Burnley match, and will confront Italian rivals on 9 December when they travel to the San Siro to challenge Inter Milan.