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Parma's Giovanni Leoni is a reported target for Liverpool(Image: Photo by Andrea Cantini/Parma Calcio 1913/Parma Calcio 1913 via Getty Images)

Liverpool are in need of defensive reinforcements this summer following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen - and they may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of reported target Giovanni Leoni.

The Reds currently have just three senior centre-backs in the squad in Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.

Quansah, who made 25 appearances in all competitions under Arne Slot last season, completed a permanent move to the Bundesliga side last month.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has been among the names linked with a move to Anfield, but the Reds are also reportedly open to signing a young, up-and-coming defender.

That’s evidenced by their previous interest in Leny Yoro and Dean Huijsen, who ultimately joined Manchester United and Real Madrid, respectively.

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18-year-old Leoni, who is currently plying his trade in Serie A with Parma, has emerged as a potential target in recent weeks, if reports in Italy are to be believed.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims the Italian youth international is a top target for Inter Milan, but the Nerazzurri are now exploring other options.

The report states that Inter had a £26m bid rejected by Parma, who are said to be holding out for a fee closer to £34m, which is a price Inter are understood to be unwilling to meet.

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As a result of both the high asking price and Liverpool’s emerging interest, Inter are now said to be shifting their focus elsewhere, having opened preliminary talks with Feyenoord's David Hancko and Genoa's Koni De Winter in their bid to strengthen defensively ahead of the new season.

If such reports are accurate, it could pave the way for Liverpool to make their move, should they choose to firm up their interest in the teenager.

However, Tottenham and Bournemouth have also been linked with Leoni, meaning the Reds could still face competition from within the Premier League.


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