Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Liverpool have been linked with a move for 18-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni.(Image: Photo by Andrea Cantini/Parma Calcio 1913/Parma Calcio 1913 via Getty Images)

Liverpool have reportedly been tracking Parma defender Giovanni Leoni as they weigh up options at the back.

This summer, Liverpool offloaded Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen leaving them with a handful of senior options at the heart of defence, while Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch could filter in to deputise in the position.

According to Paul Joyce of The Times, as well as Marc Guehi, the Reds have been looking at young central defenders across Europe and among them is Parma's Leoni.



READ MORE:Liverpool path to Alexander Isak transfer now clear as Newcastle 'perform reluctant U-turn'READ MORE:Darwin Nunez posts cryptic Liverpool message after fresh transfer 'contact' emerges

During an interview published in 2023 during his time with Padova as a 16-year-old, Leoni credited the Liverpool captain Van Dijk as one of his inspirations growing up.

He said: "I take inspiration from Van Dijk and (Chris) Smalling.

I hope the team eventually makes the playoffs."

Now 18, he made 18 senior appearances for the Northern Italian club and 12 more on loan at Sampdoria, in Serie B, before he moved across Italy to Parma.

Article continues below

He scored one goal in 17 appearances in the Italian top-flight, amassing 1,205 minutes in Serie A and scoring in a 2-1 defeat at Cagliari.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, a host of Italian clubs have looked to try land the next defensive stalwart from the region with Juventus, Inter and AC Milan said to be interested.

In June, it was reported that the three Serie A giants were interested in the defender, with Goal claiming he is valued between €25milllion (£21m) and €30million (£25m).

Leoni has already been lauded for his defensive intelligence with former Sampdoria assistant Roberto Baronio hailing the youngster, who previously made his under-19s debut aged 17.

"He's a very smart guy," he said previously told Parma Today.

When a defender encounters a fast attacker, or a more powerful one, he tries to 'manage' him, with simple shoulder thrusts or by anticipating the ball.

Article continues below

"These are subtleties, tricks that usually only an experienced player can possess, when he's already familiar with the player he's facing.
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.