Liverpool are on the verge of making their fifth big signing of the transfer window.

The Reds were very active at the start of the transfer window and welcomed in a flurry of new arrivals, although things have been a lot slower since.

Hugo Ekitike was the last player to sign and many names have been linked since, with there being plenty of areas in the squad still needing reinforcements.

A centre-back has been high up on the agenda for quite some time, with pre-season showing just how desperately Liverpool needed more options at the back.

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And now, they appear to be doing something about it, with the Reds set to reach a full agreement for a new centre-half very soon.

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As things stand, Liverpool have three first-team centre-back options, one of these being Virgil van Dijk, who is 34, and the other two being Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate, both of whom are very injury prone.

With the latter’s contract running out next summer as well, new additions in this area of the pitch need to happen, and Liverpool now seem to be making moves to ensure they are fully equipped.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool are very close to a full agreement for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.

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He states that a deal could be completed in the next 24 hours, maybe even less, with the total fee coming to around £30m.

The 18-year-old is held in very high regard in Italy, with journalist Fabrizio Romano labelling him as a ‘special talent’.

He is seen as the heir to van Dijk’s throne and after playing a few seasons as understudy to the Dutchman, will hopefully be ready to take over when his time comes.

Despite coming close to a full agreement for one centre-back, Liverpool are still in the market for another one, this time someone ready to make an instant impact.

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is the man they want to bring in but only for the right price, with the Reds hoping this will be around £30m-£35m.

He does want guaranteed minutes, however, suggesting this could be a stumbling block in a deal happening, although he is said to be willing to fight for his position in the team.

The transfer window shuts in just over two weeks’ time, suggesting this could be a very manic ending for the Reds indeed.