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Liverpool is poised to secure the services of Parma defender Giovanni Leoni for an initial £26 million ($35.3 million).

The Reds are nearing a complete agreement with the Serie A club for the center-back.

Leoni, 18, is prepared to fly to England to undergo a medical once the final terms are settled in the next 24 hours.

Liverpool has outmanoeuvred Inter Milan and AC Milan to his signature, while Premier League rivals Manchester United and Newcastle also expressed interest.

He said: "The clubs have agreed a deal but he has not signed for us yet

The moment he does, I can go into more detail."

Liverpool is also in pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, and is continuing negotiations with its Premier League counterpart for a deal around £35 million ($47.1 million).

Leoni steps in to fill the shoes of Jarell Quansah, who was sold to Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the window.

Leoni made his way into Parma's starting line-up in the latter half of last season and made 17 appearances.

He can operate in the heart of a back three or on the right side of a two.

Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes, remains in discussions with Parma chief executive, Federico Cherubini, but the main components of the deal are agreed.

Liverpool missed out on young center-backs in the last couple of windows after failed attempts to land Levi Colwill, Leny Yoro, and Dean Huijsen.

While Colwill remained with Chelsea, Yoro opted for Manchester United upon his departure from Lille, and Huijsen chose Real Madrid this summer.

However, these moves have no bearing on Liverpool's pursuit of Guehi, with negotiations set to continue throughout the week.

Guehi, 25, has only a year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park and is keen on a move to Anfield

Liverpool is eager to secure a deal this summer, but could potentially acquire him on a free transfer in 12 months' time.

Palace chairman Steve Parish is reluctant to let Guehi leave without a fee.


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