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Sami Mokbel

Senior football correspondent

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma for a fee of about £26m.

The centre-half has emerged as a key target for Arne Slot's side and is now set for a move to Anfield.

The Italy Under-19 international began his career at Padova and had a short spell at Sampdoria before joining Parma last summer.

Liverpool could further bolster their defensive ranks and remain in talks with Crystal Palace for England centre-back Marc Guehi.

FA Cup winners Palace are believed to want £40m for their captain, who only has 12 months left on his contract, but Liverpool want to pay less than that.

The Reds have already spent about £270m this summer, though they have recouped about £170m through player sales.

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